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UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. 



CHRISTIAN MISCELLANY. 





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CHRISTIAN MISCELLANY; 

CONTAINING 

MEMOIRS OF MY OWN LIFE, 

THECHURCH OF GOD IN AMERICA, 

THREE YEARS IN LANCASTER, PA. 

THE FIRST AND SECOND ADVENT, 

THE PROPHECIES, 

AND 

VARIOUS OTHER PIECES. 



A 



JACOB FLAKE, V. D. M. 



No. I.— 1844. 




/ 



PHILADELPHIA. 
1844. 






•5 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the Year 1844, 

By Jacob Flake, V.D.M. 

In the Clerk's Office of the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. 



<- L h 7^ 



John C. Clark, Printer, 

60 Dock St. Philadelphia. 



COMMENDATION 



This humble work is commended to those who be- 
long to the " Church of God," — and especially to those 
among whom I have been preaching the Gospel from 
year to year, in various places. With the sentiments 
herein contained, Christians generally will agree ; and 
if any thing (especially concerning prophecy) appears 
singular at first, perhaps, on consideration, it will be 
found to agree with the Holy Scriptures, which the 
writer has known, and studied from his childhood. 

Courteous Reader, 

If thou art a Christian, this little Book is commended 
to thy candid and favourable notice. It contains the 
thoughts of the writer on some all-important subjects, 
relating to the soul's welfare in this hfe, and in the life 
which is to come. 

If thou art not yet a Christian, — still read these 
pages, they can do thee no harm ; and may be a bless- 
ing to thee ; for thou hast a soul to be saved— or lost. 



IV COMMENDATION. 

True believers every v^^here, who love our Lord 
Jesus Christ, and vv^alk in obedience to Him, — all these 
I delight to look upon as brethren, — and on all such, 
into whose hands this little Book may come, may 
grace, mercy, and peace abide. 

Should this offering be favourably received, it may 
be an encouragement to bring forward a second num- 
ber. 

J. F. 



CONTENTS. 



Page 
Memoirs of my own life- — 

Childhood and youth, .... 7 

Days of mature life, - - - - 10 

The Church at Jerusalem, - - - <■ 15 

The " Church of God" in America, - - 17 

The people so called, - . - - 18 

Their doctrine and practice, - - - 19 

Their name and discipline, - - - 21 

Yearly meetings, . . - - 23 

Saving Faith, - - - . . 24 

Hymn, ...... 28 

A living Ministry, » .... 29 

The primitive Christians, - - - - 32 

Do we resemble the early Christians — 

First — enjoyment of religion, - - - 33 

Second — the water of baptism, - - - 34 

Third — the breaking of bread, - - - 35 

Fourth — difference in opinion, ... 36 



n CONTENTS. 

P&ge 

Three years in Lancaster, Pa. - - - 38 

Revival — Church — Bethel — People, - - 39 

Sketch of a discourse, - - - - 54 

Christian doctrine — 

The Father and the Son, - - - 58 

" The Atonement, - .... 60 

Christmas Hymn, ... - - . 62 

First and Second Advent — 

First Advent — a suffering Saviour, - - 63 

Second Advent — a glorious King, - - 66 

The Prophecies, . . . „ . 73 

A time of trouble — Antichrist, - - - 85 

Conversion and gathering of Israel, - - 87 

The glory that shall follow, - - - 94 

Hymn, - , - - - - 98 

The state of the soul after death, - - - 99 

Heaven, ...-.- 101 

Hymn, 106 



THE 



CHRISTIAN MISCELLANY. 



MEMOIRS OF MY|^OWN LIFE. 
CHAPTER I. 

CHILDHOOD AND TfOUTH, 

I AM forty -Jive years of age. My native place 
is the City of Philadelphia. My parents were 
in the middle class of society — plain, industrious, 
religious people. I am partly of German, and 
partly of English descent; my grandparents on 
the father's side, having come from Germany; 
and on the mother's side from England. 1 am 
one of eight children; all are gone, except a 
sister — the wife of J. Carrigan, of Philadelphia. 

My father died when I was five years old. 
I remember following him to his grave in Octo- 
ber, 1804; to the burying' ground of the German 
Reformed Church, on Franklin Square. All 
traces of that resting place of the dead are now 
done away; the graves of the multitudes lying 
there have been levelled. It is now a beautiful 



MEMOIES OF 



public square, with trees, and grass, and gravel- 
ed walks, and a marble fountain sending up its 
playful streams of water in the centre of the 
ground: all this has been done in the last few 
years. Underneath the sod are the lowly resting 
places of departed friends, — mine among the rest. 
The gay and laughing crowd above, while throng- 
ing the pleasant walks of Franklin Square, do not 
think how many are buried in that enclosure. 
I had promised my mother that she should be 
buried in that saiTfis ground, with her husband 
and her children, but the city had claimed the 
spot, and made a pleasure ground of it; and my 
mother's resting place is in the burying ground 
of the M. E. Union Church, South Tenth street. 

How strangely Philadelphia has spread out 
on every side since the daj^s of my child- 
hood. The fields and meadows have been co- 
vered with houses; and the romantic Schuyl- 
kill is not as it used to be, with its green banks 
and wild hill, the abode of thousands of swal- 
lows, now Fairmount. One of my earliest re- 
collections is, about my third or fourth year, 
going with my father and mother and sister, on 
Easter Monday, on an excursion to the floating 
bridge on the Schuylkill, near Fairmount, where 
the elegant bridge suspended on wire ropes now 
spans the river. The coal wharves and the busy 
multitude now occupy its banks. 

My mother was a pious woman, and did her 



MY OWN LIFE.. 9 

best for the temporal and spiritual welfare of her 
children. Several years of my boyhood were 
occupied at school in obtaining the rudiments of 
a plain English education. I have always been 
exceedingly fond of reading and thinking, espe- 
cially as it regards serious and religious things. 

I used to go with my mother to the Presby- 
terian church, of which she was a member. 
From her lips, and the lips of two spiritual mi- 
nisters of the Presbyterian church, I first learned 
the Gospel of Christ, was enlightened, and led 
while yet a boy to seek the Lord in prayer and 
repentance. The names of those two ministers 
are James K. Burch and John Joyce. For a 
long time I was seeking the Lord, and at last 
found rest and peace to my soul by simply be- 
lieving with all my heart, that "Christ Jesus had 
loved me and washed me from my sins in his 
own blood." That hope and trust I ever hold 
fast. 

Having been much benefited by the preach- 
ing and writings of the people called Methodists, 
I united with them in church fellowship about 
the eighteenth year of my age. At that time they 
were plain, spiritual, and persecuted, to a greater 
extent than at present. I remember with plea- 
sure the preaching of such men as Roberts, 
Ruter, Emory, Rusling, and others, who preach- 
ed in Philadelphia in those days, — but now they 
rest from their labours. 



10 MEMOIRS OF 

How sweet and heavenly is the light of Chri&t 
as it first beams into the heart of man, the blessed 
doctrine of the forgiveness of sins and eternal life, 
through a dying, risen Saviour. 

About the age of nineteen I went into a hard- 
ware store in Second Street, owned by D. H. 

M r, a worthy and kind-hearted man — also 

gone to rest — after having tried the honours and 
disappointments of political life. 



CHAPTER II. 

MIDDLE LIFE. 

In the mercantile business I remained several 
years. In the meantime my mind became im- 
pressed with an earnest desire to preach the Gos- 
pel of salvation among my fellow-men. I read — 
and studied — and prayed — and was licensed to 
exhort and preach in my native city. 

In accordance with these feelings, I gave up 
the business in which I was engaged. This was 
in the year 1827. Proceeding over the moun- 
tains, I united myself with the Pittsburg Me- 
thodist Episcopal Conference; and engaged in 
spreading the glad tidings of salvation in differ- 
rent places in western Pennsylvania and Virgi- 
nia. Five years I continued west of the moun- 
tains — preaching Jesus Christ, and him crucified. 

I was two years in the city of Pittsburgh, and 
became much attached to many there — among 



MY OWN LIFE. 11 

the rest Doctor S , whose intelligent mind, 

and friendly conduct will be remembered. I re- 
member also the very amiable family of B. P. 
and many others. One year I travelled the cir- 
cuit round Parkersburg on the Ohio river, — one 
year round Kittaning on the Alleghany river, — 
and one year I was stationed in Clarksburgh, Va. 
Many dear friends I had in those places, — some 
probably are gone from a world of trouble — all 
of them I hope may find a happier home. 

Pittsburgh while I was there — was a very in- 
dustrious, but black and smoky place — yet with- 
al a pleasant town. It is beautifully situated at 
the junction of the Monongahela and Alleghany 
rivers. They join and form the Ohio. It is a 
central stopping place between the east and west. 

Party feeling at that time ran very high among 
the Methodists, on the subject of reform in church 
government. Such strife among brethren I ne- 
ver saw before, and wish never to witness again. 
The reform party came out in various places, and 
formed a separate body. But instead of going to 
the primitive church for a pattern — they tried 
the wisdom of man, and formed one for them- 
selves. 

In Pittsburgh, I believe, since they separated, 
both old and new side have prospered. May 
they both find a more excellent way than they 
have yet known — aad come to see the simple 

JB 2 



12 MEMOIRS OF 

apostolic plan — on which the churches were 
united to the Lord and to each other — in the 
early Christian days. 

CHAPTER III. 

MIDDLE LIFE. 

I have always been fond of reading and study, 
so that the great and leading doctrines of Chris- 
tianity have long been familiar to me. I not 
only know them, but love them as the truth of 
God. I have always held the blessed faith and 
hope of salvation through Christ crucified, as I at 
first received it. 

The year 1832 found me a supernumerary 
preacher in Pittsburgh, with my health very 
poor. My mind, at that time, was wakened up 
to the investigation of the subject of Christian 
baptism. I had not before particularly studied 
its nature and meaning, as I rather regarded it in 
the usual way as an outward ceremony of minor 
importance. 

After very serious and solemn inquiry, I was 
convinced that the primitive Christian baptism 
was not the sprinkling or pouring of water on an 
infant, but the immersion of a believer, and that 
it had a spiritual meaning and blessing attending 
it. When convinced of this, I had but one course 
to pursue; and hard as it was to go against the 
judgment and wishes of friends and brethren who 



MY OWN LIFE. 13 

were much esteemed by me, I was obedient to 
the light I had received, and was honoured and 
blessed in being buried with Christ in baptism. 

This was in the summer of '32. My health 
was poor, life appeared very uncertain, and I 
wished, if possible, to go in the same way trod 
by the saints of old, who have died in Christ, and 
rest in paradise. 

This additional light on the subject of baptism 
led to a fellowship with those who saw and felt 
as I did myself on this subject. Not that 1 
ceased to love my Methodist brethren, nor that I 
formally withdrew, but merely went on and 
preached in the vineyard of the Lord, as his pro- 
vidence permitted. Afterward, having returned 
eastward again, I united with a small body of 
preachers and brethren called the "Church of 
God," with whom I agree in doctrine and prac- 
tice, and with whom I continue to labour and 
bear the cross, in hope of a crown of righteous- 
ness in the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and 
Saviour Jesus Christ, whose coming, I believe, 
draws very near. 

Of my faith, and practice, and hope, I feel my- 
self in fellowship and communion with the pri- 
mitive church, and the saints, wherever found on 
earth, or those who have gone to rest. 

Some years I have preached as a missionary at 
large, and for several years past have been pastor 
of the church in Lancaster, Pa. This year I am 



14 MEMOIRS OF MY OWN LIFE. 

general missionary among the churches, and 
wherever the hand of the Lord may guide. 

" God of my life — 
In all my ways, thy hand I own, 

Thy ruling providence I see ; 
Assist me still my course to run, 

And still direct my paths to Thee." 

J. FLAKE. 

Philadelphia, June 23, 1844. 



15 

THE CHURCH AT JERUSALEM. * 

ACTS, 2d chapter. 

The Gospel was first preached at Jerusalem, 
according to the command of Jesus. There he 
suffered — from thence he ascended into heaven — 
and there we may expect he will return when he 
comes again — in glory. 

Jerusalem, during our Saviour's sojourn on 
earth, was in prosperity, although its ancient 
glory had passed away. It was very populous, 
and the Jewish people from every place where 
they were scattered, repaired thither to w^orship, 
at the great yearly religious festivals. At the 
feast of the Passover Jesus was crucified — buried 
— and rose again the third day. He tarried with 
his disciples about forty days after he rose from 
the dead, and then in open day — from the Mount 
of Olives, he ascended into heaven, while their 
longing eyes followed their beloved Master in 
his heavenward course. The feast of Pentecost 
was near, which came seven weeks after the 
Passover. 

On the day of Pentecost the disciples were all. 
gathered together, and then came the Holy Spirit 
upon them, according to the promise of their 
Master. First, "there came the sound from hea- 
ven as of a rushing mighty wind,'^ — and "then 
appeared unto them cloven tongues like as of fire, 



16 THE CHURCH 

and it sat upon each of them.'^ " They were all 
filled with the Holy Spirit, and hegan to speak 
with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utter- 
ance." 

That was the day of power and of joy — all 
their fears were gone — and Peter preached the 
first Gospel sermon, concerning Jesus the Mes- 
siah, to a great multitude of his Jewish bre- 
thren. 

Many who heard his word were convinced of 
the truth — they believed the message of mercy — 
they repented — and were baptized in the name 
of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins. The 
number of converts on that day was about three 
thousand souls. 

This was the first ^' Church of God'^ under the 
Gospel dispensation — and from thence the true 
Church descends. 

They all believed — all repented — all were bap- 
tized in the name of Jesus — and no doubt all 
were made partakers of the Holy Spirit. Oh 
how glad they must have been to learn that Jesus 
was the true Messiah, and the King of Israel, 
spoken of by the prophets. How happy to know 
that through his dying for them, they had the 
forgiveness of all their sins. How cheering the 
hope of his second coming in glory, and the pros- 
pect of a better inheritance in a better world, with 
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and all the people of 
God. 



AT JERUSALEM. 17 

What a great change with them. They were 
converted — born again — all things became new. 
They found by experience what the kingdom of 
God is; even righteousness, and peace, and joy 
in the Holy Spirit. They were born of water 
and of the Spirit; and were saved, not by works 
of righteousness which they had done, but by the 
mercy of God, through the redemption that is in 
Christ Jesus. 

Behold the benevolence, and brotherly kind- 
ness that prevailed. "All that believed were to- 
gether, and had all things common; and sold 
their possessions and goods, and parted them to 
all men, as every man had need." They had the 
love of God shed abroad in their hearts, and this 
led them to the love of all around them. This 
benevolence Jesus had — and so have his disci- 
ples. 



THE "CHURCH OF GOD" IN AMERICA. 

CHAPTER I. 

In the course of the last twenty years, a num- 
ber of preachers and private Christians have been 
united together in religious fellowship, and form 
a body of people calling themselves the "Church 
of God." 



18 THE 

Through the merciful providence of God, a 
gracious revival of religion took place in Harris- 
burg, Pa., about the year 1825; in which John 
Winebrenner, who was labouring there in the 
ministry, was eminently useful in the enlighten- 
ing and conversion of many souJs. 

The work of grace spread through the neigh- 
bouring country, and afterward into some parts 
of Maryland and Ohio. During these years a 
multitude have been brought to a saving l^now- 
ledge of the truth as it is in Jesus Christ — a num- 
ber of churches have been formed — and about 
eighty preachers are now united together in la- 
bouring in the blessed work. 

Several of these ministers had preached for 
some years among other denominations. J. W. 
had been in the ministry in the German Re- 
formed Church — the writer, J. F., an itinerant 
preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church — 
J. T. had been a regular Baptist preacher — and 
several others have been formerly in other 
churches; but the most of these brethren were 
converted, and called to the preaching of the 
Gospel, since the above mentioned revival be- 
gan. 

Through the grace of God, holding the same 
faith Siud practice of the Gospel as in primitive, 
days — they have been brought together into one 
brotherhood. 

The w^ord of God as found in the Holy Scrip- 



IN AMERICA. 19 

tares is received as the only authority for faith 
and practice. Such as make the good confession 
of Jesus Christ as their Saviour and Lord — are 
received as members in these churches. But of 
all these it is required that they walk in obe- 
dience to Christ — as the fruits of a true and 
living faith. They hold free communion with 
all true Christians. 

The churches are regularly organized — under 
the care of elders and deacons. 

CHAPTER II. 

Question. What is the doctrine and practice 
of this people? 

Jinswer. As taught in the Holy Scriptures — 
We believe in God — the Father — Almighty, 
maker of heaven and earth. 

And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, 
our Lord. 

And in the Holy Spirit of God — the Com- 
forter. 

We believe in the divinity of the Father — the 
Son—the Holy Spirit. 

We believe that the human family are in a 
fallen — guilty — depraved, and helpless state. 

That God so loved the world that he gave his 

only begotten Son — who in the fulness of time 

came into the world in human nature — through 

the power of the Holy Spirit being born of the 

c 



20 THE "church of GOd" 

virgin Mary — that He suffered and died at Jeru- 
salem — that He is the propitiation for the sins of 
the whole world — that He tasted death for every 
man — and that through his sufferings and death 
alone, remission of sins is obtained. 

In Jesus Christ dwells all the fulness of the 
Godhead bodily, even in him who died, and was 
buried, and rose again from the dead the third 
day, and ascended into heaven — and who now 
ever lives to make intercession for us. 

Christ will come again, in person, and in glory 
— to judge the living and the dead — and to set 
up his everlasting kingdom. When Christ comes 
there will be a resurrection of the righteous dead 
— whose souls are now in Paradise. There will 
afterward be a resurrection of all the dead — even 
the wicked. 

We believe and preach very strongly the ne- 
cessity of faith — repentance — and universal obe- 
dience to all the divine commands, and are op- 
posed to war — slavery — intemperance and other 
prevailing evils. 

We believe in the influence of the Holy Spirit 
in the enlightening — conversion— and sanctifica- 
tion of the soul; — and in the privilege of enjoy- 
ing the light, comfort and guidance of the same 
blessed Spirit. 

That every true believer may enjoy the assu- 
rance of the forgiveness of sins — and through di- 
vine grace may live holy, and not commit sin. 



IN AMERICA. 21 

That baptism — namely, immersion in water, in 
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of 
the Holy Spirit — is the duty and privilege of 
every true believer. 

That the communion of the Lord's Supper — 
and washing the saints' feet are to be observed. 

That everlasting life will be the lot of the 
saints — and everlasting punishment the doom of 
the wicked. 

The way of worship among these people is 
plain — and they endeavour to let it be spiritual 
and devout. Singing of hymns — prayers — read- 
ing the Scriptures — and preaching — is the usual 
mode. Baptism and the Lord's Supper are ob- 
served — and also washing of feet 

Class meetings — prayer meetings— experience 
meetings — and camp meetings are usual. 

CHAPTER III. 

But why do they call themselves "The Church 
of God?" 

First. Because we wish above all things to be 
numbered among the church and people of God. 
The heavenly family is made up of the saints on 
earth, and saints in heaven, and of that holy fa- 
mily we trust we form a part. 

Second. Because in apostolic days the believers 
in Jesus were thus denominated by the apostles. 
St. Paul, in writing to several of the churches, 



22 THE 

addresses them as "the Church of God." And 
it is considered more pious and acceptable to call 
ourselves after the name of the Lord, than after 
the name of any man, however eminent and good 
he may be. 

The name is high and holy; and all who take 
it have the strongest reason to labour to be con- 
formed to the image of Him whose name they 
bear, and of whom the whole family in heaven 
and in earth is named. 

We are willing, likewise, to be called by any 
of the names which were used among the apos- 
tles in primitive days, such as saints, brethren, 
disciples, Christians; but as to a sectarian name, 
we reject it altogether. We do not feel war- 
ranted to make one for ourselves, or to allow 
others to impose one on us. 

For church order and discipline we endeavour 
to follow the precepts and example of our Sa- 
viour and his inspired apostles, as set forth in the 
New Testament; and think that the rules and 
practice there set forth, are sufficient as a general 
guide. If there be a humble and willing mind, it 
is not difficult to see the apostolic order in the 
New Testament; and when that order is carried 
out in its simplicity and purity in these last days, 
it works for the peace and prosperity of Zion; 
for it is not the wisdom of men, but it is the 
working of that wisdom which comes from 
above. 



IN AMERICA. 23 



CHAPTER IV. 

There is a yearly meeting held of all the 
preachers, together with delegates from the va- 
rious churches, which is called the general elder- 
ship. That which takes in the preachers and 
churches in Eastern Pennsylvania and Maryland 
is held in November. Another eldership takes 
in the preachers and churches in west Pennsyl- 
vania; and a third is for Ohio, which meets in 
October. 

At these yearly meetings, those of the preach- 
ers who are willing to take appointments for the 
ensuing year, give in their names; and their sta- 
tions are arranged by a committee of appoint- 
ments chosen for the purpose. Those who do 
not take an appointment to a station, or circuit, 
labour in the Gospel according as circumstances 
permit. 

But few among the preachers have had the ad- 
vantage of a classical education, but they are ge- 
nerally men of good natural abilities, well ac- 
quainted with the Holy Scriptures in the com- 
morr languages, and believe themselves called by 
the Lord himself to the blessed work of preach- 
ing the everlasting Gospel. With sound minds 
and warm hearts, and the heavenly light to bless 
and guide them, they go forward in their work 
with the hope of a better day, and a crown of 
righteousness before them. 
c 2 



24 SAVING FAITH. 

The temporal support obtained by the preach- 
ers is very small. A large part receive nothing 
— some are able to obtain, vi^here they labour, 
the necessary things of life. This is not because 
they are opposed to taking what is needful for 
their temporal necessities, but because the people 
united with them are generally poor — and in 
some places their societies are few in number. 



SAVING FAITH. 

■ " Like precious faith with us." 
" Purifying their hearts by faith." 
" Receiving the end of your faith even the salvation of 

your souls." — Peter. 
" Rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom." — James. 
" Overcometh the world, even our faith." — John. 
" With the heart man believeth unto righteousness." 
" In whom ye also trusted." 
" By grace are ye saved, through faith," 
" All these died in faith." — Paul. 
" Have faith in God." 
" Ye believe in God, believe also in me." 
" He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved." 
" Sanctified by faith that is in me." — Jesus. 

To believe and to have faith — means the same 
thing. When we read in the New Testament of 
the absolute, necessity of believing, or having 
faith, in order to salvation — it is not a mere ar- 
bitrary requirement, but needful in the very na- 
ture of things. For where there is no faith, be- 



SAVING FAITH. 25 

tween man and man, there is no friendship. If 
you cannot have faith and confidence in your fel- 
low man — there can be no fellowship between 
you. As long as you look upon him as your en- 
emy, you are afraid of him, and keep at a dis- 
tance. 

Now this is the feeling that unenlightened and 
unrenewed men have towards the Divine Being. 
They feel themselves guilty and depraved, and 
they think that God is their enemy. They think 
of his holiness, and justice, and power — they 
tremble and shrink back, and try to find refuge 
in unbelief 

The heart of man can hardly help believing 
that there is a God, though the eye see Him not. 
But the great question is, what is the disposition 
of this glorious Being toward me? Is He dis- 
posed to be my enemy, and to use his almighty 
power to render me miserable; or has He 
thoughts of kindness and compassion toward me 
in my low and fallen estate? 

This question must be answered, or else there 
can be no confidence in the human heart toward 
God; and if there be no faith or confidence, there 
can be no friendship. 

Now, in order that we might regain that con- 
fidence and faith in God which we have lost, it 
has pleased God to reveal and manifest himself 
in a wonderful manner, from time to time, to the 
human family. He gave the promise to our first 



26 ' SAVING FAITH. 

parents of a Deliverer. He called Abraham, and 
renewed the promise. He chose the children of 
Israel to be his peculiar people, — and then in the 
fulness of time, He sent forth his Son into the 
world — the promised Saviour. He seeks us be- 
fore we think of seeking him. He comes down 
unto us clothed in a human form. The Son of 
God comes to suffer and die to redeem our souls 
and win our hearts to God, in faith and love. 

All this goes to prove to the unbelieving, 
doubting, fearful heart of man that God is not his 
enemy, but instead thereof his best friend. As 
soon as any one sees this, and believes it, trust 
and confidence toward God spring up in his heart, 
the current of his affections turns heavenward. 
He now knows that which he never knew be- 
fore, and oh, what peace and joy this knowledge 
brings. Being now justified by faith, he has 
peace with God, through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

The belief or faith which thus brings the soul 
of man near to God, is the simple believing of 
matters of fact. And these matters of fact are set 
forth to us in the Gospel of Christ. It is not that 
we are to believe what our own fancy may dic- 
tate, or what man may say, but it is the belief of 
the truth of God that brings salvation. The 
great truth which a penitent sinner is called to 
believe is, that " Jesus Christ has loved me, and 
washed me from my sins in his own blood." For 
if Christ died for every man — He died for me. 



SAVING FAITH. 27 

And this I am to believe because his own woYd 
declares it. 

This faith, which we have in the glorious facts 
set forth in the Gospel of Christ, is founded on 
evidence. For the belief of those things which 
have not sufficient evidence to sustain them, is 
blameable credulity. But see how careful our 
God has been to give us sufficient reason to be- 
lieve in his compassion and love toward us. 

One messenger after another, and continued 
displays of his wonderful and gracious provi- 
dence, kept faith alive among his ancient people 
of Israel. And now to us the Son of God has ap- 
peared in the fulness of time, in our world, and 
died, and rose again from the dead, — and all to 
redeem and bring us near to God, our Father in 
heaven J that we might put trust and confidence 
in Him, even as Abraham did of old. 

And he who will not believe in Jesus as the 
Son of God and Saviour, after all the evidences, 
both external and internal, which the Gospel has 
about it, his own evil heart is the cause of his 
unbelief. For when we are willing and desirous 
that any tidings should be true, we look at the 
evidence thereof with a favourable eye. And so 
it is that when the will and heart of man inclines 
to the Gospel, and wishes it to be true, then we 
are not long in being persuaded to embrace it as 
the message of our heavenly Father's love. 

Now this real, true and saving faith may be 



'28 HYMN. 

weaker in some persons than in others. But 
wherever it is the faith or trust which a broken 
and contrite heart j^laces in the mercy of its God 
and Saviour, it is genuine. For with the heart 
man believeth unto righteousness. 



HYMN. 

(From Wesley.) 

None is like Jeshurun's God, 

So great, so strong, so high; 
Lo! He spreads his wings abroad. 

He rides upon the sky; 
Israel is his first born son, 

God, the Almighty God, is thine; 
See, He in thy help comes down, 

The majesty divine. 

In a land of corn and wine, 

His lot shall be below; 
Comforts here and blessings join, 

And milk and honey flow; 
Jacob's well is in his soul. 

Gracious dews his heaven distil; 
Fill his soul already full. 

And shall forever fill. 



A LIVING MINISTRY. 29 

Blest, Israel, art thou; 

What people is like thee; 
Saved from sin by Jesus now, 

Thou art and still shalt be: 
Jesus is thy seven-fold shield, 

Jesus is thy flaming sword; 
Earth, and hell, and sin shall yield, 

To God's almighty word. 



A LIVING MINISTRY. 

There always has been, and always will be, a 
living ministry in the Church of God. The first 
twelve, and the first seventy, who were called to 
the work, have long since died in peace. So also 
"our beloved brother Paul," and those who la- 
boured with him among the Gentiles, have finish- 
ed their course and gone to rest. And those who 
preached the truth, and suffered for it among the 
Waldenses and elsewhere, these have not labour- 
ed and suffered in vain. 

And now, as the second advent of the Son of 
God drawls near, the hearts of many are drawn to 
this good work of labouring and prophesying in 
the vineyard of the Lord. 

The Lord chooses his own workmen to accom- 
plish his great work of saving the souls of men. 
He puts it into the heart of the young man full 



30 A LIVING MINISTRY. 

of life, and health, and zeal. He takes the far- 
mer, the mechanic, the merchant, and sometimes 
the man of fine learning, and sends them to 
preach his Gospel. " 

Then do not hinder or forbid any who give 
evidence that they are influenced by the love of 
Christ, and love to precious souls, provided they 
have gifts as well as grace. For whoever un- 
dertakes this work must have the Spirit of Christ. 
And no man should be licensed or ordained, un- 
less he have, in some good degree, the qualifica- 
tions set forth by St. Paul in his Epistles to Ti- 
mothy and Titus. 

It is the duty of those who are already minis- 
ters of the Gospel, to seek out and encourage 
others who may be called to take part with them 
in this good work, and ordain them thereto by 
prayer, and the laying on of hands. 

Those who are divinely called to the ministry 
may have gifts and qualifications different one 
from another, but it is the same heavenly Spirit 
working in each. In primitive times they had 
sons of thunder, Mark iii. 17 — and sons of con- 
solation, like Barnabas, Acts iv. 36. They had 
Paul, with his mighty intellect and reasoning 
powers; and Apollos, with his eloquence and 
learning in the Old Testament Scriptures; Acts 
xviii. 24. 

Happy are the churches thus favoured in these 
dark and cloudy days, when error and supersti- 



A LIVING MINISTRY. 31 

tion prevail, and the smoky atmosphere of Baby- 
lon bewilders so many sincere inquirers after the 
way of life. 

The Lord has made it the duty of his minis- 
ters not only to preach the Gospel in its purity 
and power, but likewise to be the shepherds and 
guides of the flock. See Matt, xxviii. 19, 20; 
John xxi. 15 — 17; Acts xx. 17 — 35; 1 Pet. v. 
And for their faithfulness or negligence they 
must give account. If, then, the leading mem- 
bers of a church usurp the place which the Lord 
has allotted to the preachers of the Gospel, and 
thus prevent them from having the oversight, or 
from preaching and serving as Christ appointed, 
will not such persons, whether high or low, incur 
a fearful responsibility? None are scriptural el- 
ders unless preachers or teachers. 

Never, then, thrust a true preacher of the Gos- 
pel aside, but let him have his proper place; 
which is to be a teacher, an overseer, and a 
guide, in all that concerns the welfare of the 
church. 

According to the Gospel, the members of a 
church may recommend; but those who are al- 
ready in the ministry^ alone have authority to 
appoint and ordain others whom the Lord may 
call. 



32 



THE PRIMITIVE CHRISTIANS. 

The primitive Christians had learned a new 
and living way leading to God and to the ever- 
lasting kingdom. The idea of salvation through 
the Son of God, who had appeared in human 
form, was a new idea: and stranger still, that he 
should have suffered and died on the cross, to ob- 
tain remission of sins for fallen, guilty men. But 
this the apostles preached every where — this was 
their grand theme in the holy temple at Jerusa- 
lem, or in the heathen cities of Greece, with 
idolatry all around. 

This was a new, and strange, and glorious doc- 
trine. Whoever truly believed it — and that with 
all his heart — it gave him new light, new life, 
new power, which he never had before. They 
had a friend to love they had never known be- 
fore. They humbled themselves in true repent- 
ance for what was past of their lives. Calling on 
his name, they went down into the water, and 
were buried with him in baptism, as a sign and 
token outwardly, that in his precious blood they 
had remission of sins. 

When the primitive preachers came to An- 
tioch, and preached to the people the good news 
that they might have a better life hereafter, when 
this present mingled scene of joy and sorrow 
shall have passed away, there was great joy in 



DO WE RESEMBLE THE EARLY CHRISTIANS 1 33 

that city, even as in Jerusalem, when Peter first 
preached the same doctrine. 

He who was a Saviour and King to the be- 
lieving Jew, was the same to the believing Gen- 
tile. Then the watchmen saw eye to eye, being 
enlightened and guided by the same unerring 
Spirit. 



DO WE RESEMBLE THE EARLY CHRIS- 
TIANS? 

First — The Internal — Enjoyment of Religion. 

Having been privileged to attend several of 
our late camp meetings, I have been led to con- 
sider how far we are like the first churches of 
Christ, whose history is in the New Testament. 
It seems to me that in many things we are like 
the primitive Christians, and in some things we 
are yet deficient. 

With them we confess the one Lord, one faith, 
and one baptism. We believe the divinity of 
Christ; the influence of the Holy Spirit; the ne- 
cessity of repentance and conversion; of faith in 
the atonement of the Saviour; of holiness of heart 
and life: and we confess all this when we are 
buried with Christ in baptism. 

In common with the early Christians, we have 
what is called the enjoyment of religion. That 



34 DO WE RESEMBLE 

is, our religion is not merely a speculative sys- 
tem of correct doctrines and sentiments, but these 
truths, believed in the heart, make us happy. At 
our conversion, when we first have true faith, we 
rejoice, because we feel that we are reconciled to 
God. And afterward, as our experience of reli- 
gion increases, our faith and hope is confirmed, 
and the more we know of Jesus Christ, the more 
we love him. And this love makes us happy — 
in this consists the enjoyment of religion. I 
speak now of those who hold fast their profes- 
sion, and do not backslide, or return to the world 
again. 

Second. The External— The Water of Bap- 
tism. 

We have the Gospel in outward signs, which 
appeal to our sight and feeling, as well as in 
word. Thus it is, that when we go down into 
the water, and are buried therein in the name of 
the Lord, we have set forth to us the same 
blessed doctrine which our ears hear from the 
living ministry, or which w^e read of in the 
writings of departed saints. 

For '^so many of us as were baptized into Jesus 
Christ, were baptized into his deatli. Therefore 
we are buried with him by baptism into death; 
that like as Christ was raised up from the dead 
by the glory of the Father, even so we also 
should walk in newness of life." See Romans 



THE EARLY CHRISTIANS? 35 

vi. 3, 4. Thus it represents to us the death, bu- 
rial, and resurrection of Jesus, and our resurrec- 
tion to holiness and to eternal life. 

In baptism we confess our faith in Christ — that 
we have the forgiveness of sins through his blood 
once shed on the cross, which is the true foun- 
tain, even as our bodies are washed in the water. 
See Acts ii. 38, and xxii. 16. It is thus a sign 
of the remission of sins, through the precious 
blood of Christ. 

" This sign does to our faith declare, 
Our part in Him who once was dead ; 

For in his death immersed we are, 
And with Him buried as our head." 

Thus all the primitive Christians followed 
Christ. Jesus himself w^as baptized in Jordan, 
and left his command and example to all his dis- 
ciples. Whoever, therefore, has true faith in 
Christ, and true repentance, it is his privilege 
and duty to be baptized in the name of the Fa- 
ther, Son, and Holy Spirit. 

Third. The External — The Breaking of 

Bread. 
The primitive Christians kept holy the first 
day of the week, as the Lord's day. It was wnth 
them a day of rest, of rejoicing, and religious 
worship. It appears from the New Testament, 
and the writings of the early fathers of the 
d3 



36 DO WE RESEMBLE 

church, that it was their constant practice to 
meet on the Lord's day to commemorate the 
death of Christ, by partaking of the Lord's Sup- 
per every week. That this was the apostolic 
practice, is almost universally allowed by those 
who have considered the subject. In this we dif- 
fer from the first churches. We come together 
on the Lord's day to hear preaching, to sing 
and pray — and the Supper of the Lord, in some 
churches, is made only an occasional observance; 
perhaps once or twice, or three times in the year. 
I know it is not said how often we shall join in 
the breaking of bread; neither is it said how 
often we shall pray, or sing, or preach. How, 
then, can we put the standing ordinance of the 
Lord Jesus in the back ground, when almost all 
confess that the primitive church kept it up every 
Lord's day. I earnestly request those who wish 
to walk in the ancient way, to examine the mat- 
ter for themselves. I believe it is essential to the 
prosperity and happiness of the Church of Christ, 
that we observe what is commanded; and the 
nearer to the apostles' example and practice, the 
better it is. If we would worship God accepta- 
bly, it must be in his own way. 

Fourth. The Internal — Difference in Opinion. 

We may be united in the faith and practice of 
religion, and yet in some things may differ in 



THE EARLY CHRISTIANS? 37 

minor points. For this we must make allow- 
ance. We may as well expect to make a hun- 
dred clocks keep time exactly to a second, as to 
find the same number of men thinking exactly 
alike on every point. Some may have more 
light than others, and be more advanced in 
knowledge and holiness. Some may make a 
better use of their advantages than others, and, 
consequent!}^, be better Cliristians. We must, 
therefore, bear with those who do not yet see all 
things clearly. We must bear with them as long 
as the Lord bears with them. Until he takes his 
Spirit from them, we must not withdraw our love 
from them. He who excommunicates all who do 
not exactly agree with him, shows that he is far 
from being a perfect Christian; for he has not 
that love which is the perfection of the Christian 
character. His head is not as clear, nor his heart 
as right, as they should be. Whoever acknow- 
ledges the "one Lord, one faith, one baptism," 
and gives evidence that he loves God, has a 
claim on our forbearance and love, although he 
may differ from us ill some things of less import- 
ance. 



38 



THREE YEARS IN LANCASTER, PA. 

Oh the twenty-second of January, 1841, I 
came to Lancaster, to assist in holding a meeting 
for a few days. I called at the house of E. S. 
a worthy Christian brother, and there presently 
came in two of my fellow-labourers in the Gos- 
pel, John Winebrenner and Joseph Ross, who 
had just arrived for the same purpose. I came 
to tarry a few days, and stayed three years. 

We commenced preaching the Gospel the 
same evening, 'in the meeting-house near the 
rail-road, belonging to a small Society, whose 
history, in a few words, is as follows: — 

Above twenty years ago, a congregation was 
gathered in Lancaster, by the late John Elliott, 
whose memory is held in great esteem by many 
\vho knew his worth as a Christian minister. 
He finally left Lancaster, about ten years ago, 
and died in the ministry, and in the Lord, at 
Pittsburgh, a few years since. 

After Mr. Elliott left Lancaster, the church 
he had gathered was much depressed for several 
years, until but a small remnant was left. They 
however kept together, and laboured to serve the 
Lord, under many discouragements. 

Thus, as above mentioned, those two brethren 
and myself, through God's gracious guidance, 
came to Lancaster to preach the Gospel, and 



THREE YEARS IN LANCASTER. 39 

hold a special meeting. The services began on 
the evening of January 22d, and the preaching 
was continued regularly every night, and some- 
times in the day-time, for upwards of four months. 
Several other preachers, among the brethren, vi- 
sited Lancaster, and assisted during the protract- 
ed meeting. The writer, J. F., was present the 
whole time, and Bro. W. and Bro. R. a consider- 
able part of the time. 

In all these four months the power of God was 
graciously manifested through the Gospel, in the 
reviving of believers, and the awakening and 
conversion of unbelievers and sinners. How 
clear and spiritual and earnest was the preaching; 
how humble and devout the prayers; how warm 
and affecting were the sw^eet hymns of Zion, as 
the}^ came from the hearts and voices of old and 
young; and how quickly the converts joined in 
to help onward the work of the Lord. In those 
days they loved one another with pure hearts 
fervently. 

The following letters, written at the time, and 
published in the Gospel Publisher, will perhaps 
recall to some a happy remembrance of those 
days. 



The protracted meeting in L. which has been 
going on so happily for four weeks, commenced 
on Friday, Jan. 22d, when brother W. preached 



40 THREE YEARS 

the first sermon. One or two professed to find 
the Lord on that and the following evening. 
Preaching and prayer meetings were kept up 
every evening, and the minds of many became 
deeply impressed. Many came forward every 
night for the prayers of believers in their behalf, 
and many went away set free from guilt, and full 
of peace and joy in believing. Oh, how solemn 
were the congregations that listened to the preach- 
ing; crowding sometimes the house so as to leave 
no room for any more to stand — how happy and 
zealous were the young converts with their souls 
filled with love to the Saviour, and to all around 
them. These four weeks have passed away al- 
most as a happy dream — and yet all is real — for 
here is the altar, nearly filled inside with young 
men who have lately been converted, and now are 
labouring to show to others how to obtain rest 
for their souls. 

How many have been converted cannot be as- 
certained with certainty, but probably about fifty. 
On Sabbath afternoons we have held experience 
meetings, which have been most gracious seasons. 
On Monday, Feb. 8th, we baptized seven be- 
lievers in the Conestoga creek, in the presence 
of a large concourse of spectators, to the most of 
whom immersion seems a strange thing. On 
Tuesday, Feb. 16th, we baptized five more hap- 
py believers in the same stream, in the presence 
of a great crowd of witnesses. The meetings 



IN LANCASTER. 41 

have generally been held until about 11 o'clock 
at night, and then it is with difficulty we can 
disperse the congregation. 

Brothers W. and R. have laboured very faith- 
fully, being here nearly all the time. Brothers 
T. and K. have likewise been here part of the 
time, preaching with acceptance and profit to all. 
Several brethren from a distance (not preachers) 
have likewise helped us. For my own part, I 
have not spent four weeks more happily for a 
long time. When the work began my heart 
went with it, and I could not tear myself away; 
so here I am still, rejoicing with the young con- 
verts, and praying for the prosperity of Zion. 

The work still goes on — the seriousness and 
conviction seems increasing— the congregation 
still crowds the house every night. May the 
blessed Saviour conduct it to his praise in the 
salvation of yet many more of the citizens of 
Lancaster. J. F. 

Lancaster^ February 20, 1841. 



The work of God still continues in this city. 
The meetings are kept up every night — the con- 
gregations are very large — and great seriousness 
and solemnity pervade the assembly. Since the 
last account was written, twenty-five profess to 
have found peace with God. The whole number 



42 THREE YEAES 

from the commencement of the meeting who have 
professed to find the Lord is no doubt upwards of 
eighty. We have received forty into fellowship 
with the church here. 

We have just returned from the water where 
twenty believers were buried this afternoon with 
Christ in baptism; eleven of them were young 
men. It was a very happy time witli these 
young converts, — this first day of March, 1841, 
will not soon be forgotten by them, nor by the 
thousands who witnessed their good profession; 
for there seemed to be a powerful impression 
made on the minds of many on the occasion. 

The church here which had been much depress- 
ed and scattered, has been greatly revived, and if 
love be a fruit of God's Spirit, we may hope that 
this work is divine, for a more general feeling of 
Christian affection among all, both old and young, 
is not often witnessed. Blessed be God, true re- 
ligion makes those who possess it better and hap- 
pier, it sweetens life, and cheers the darkness of 
the grave with the hope of endless life. 

One or two preachers from a distance had been 
expected here last week, but did not come. We 
much need help, as there will be no one here to 
preach after Wednesday but myself, and I am 
very much worn down. 

J. F. 

Lancaster, March 1. 



IN LANCASTER. 43 

This blessed work of God still continues. It 
has been in progress more than seven weeks^ 
during which time preaching has been kept up 
every night, and sometimes in the day. After 
preaching, a prayer meeting is held until ten or 
eleven o^clock, and all who wish a special inte- 
rest in the prayers of the church are invited for- 
ward. The house is generally full, and some- 
times crowded, so as to leave no room even to 
stand; and many continue with us until the meet- 
ings close. The young men who have been con- 
verted at this meeting are very useful in helping 
to carry on the work. Indeed, all, both brethren 
and sisters, have united in the work with heart 
and soul, and God has blessed them in their la- 
bours of love, and filled them with peace and 

joy- 
Since the last account I wrote, twenty-three or 
more have professed to find salvation. A num- 
ber of young boys have likewise been blessed in 
coming to Christ, and been made happy in his 
love. These I did not count — the Lord forgive 
me if I did wrong in not numbering them — for 
Jesus can bless and save a child as well as a man. 
The whole number of converts through the meet- 
ing is certainly upwards of one hundred. Six- 
teen or more will probably be baptized this week 
in the Conestoga creek. These baptisms, after 
the ancient Christian fashion, make a deep im» 
pression on many minds. 

E 



44 THREE YEARS 

The nature of true religion has been manifest- 
ed in different families; for when one from a 
family has turned to the Lord, several others 
have followed. 

Now to Jesus Christ, the King of Glory, who 
loved us in our lost estate, be everlasting praise. 

J. F. 
March 16. 



The work of God in this city goes on with in- 
creasingly happy results. Twenty-on^ have pro- 
fessed to find salvation within a week past, be- 
sides several boys. Deeply solemn and attentive 
congregations still crowd the house every night, 
and three times on the Lord's day. Mout one 
hundred and twenty^ since the meeting began, 
have professed to find the Lord, beside a number 
of young boys. The members of the church here 
have likewise been greatly blessed, and built up 
in faith, and love, and zeal. 

Yesterday afternoon twenty-seven believers 
were baptized in the little Conestoga creek. 
Nearly all of them were recently converted — 
fourteen of them young men from sixteen to 
thirty years of age. It was a solemn, but happy 
season. 

J. F. 
March 23. 



IN LANCASTER. 45 

Letter from a Young Convert. 

The following is an extract of a letter from a 
lady who was recently converted at Lancaster, 

addressed to her mother at B , L 

county. 

Dear mother, — I am very happy to tell you 
that I have found the Lord, my best friend. 
What a good thing it is to serve the Lord! I 
hope to prove faithful to the end, 

"When we shall meet at Jesus' feet, 
Shall meet to part no more." 

My desire and prayer is for you to turn to the 
Lord and seek your salvation. ! what a bless- 
ing it is to have the love of God shed abroad in 
the heart; for without him we can never reach 
the kingdom of heaven. May God awaken poor 

sinners in B , that they may see their lost 

condition before it is too late. May the Spirit of 
God visit their hearts before the door of mercy is 
shut. Oh, dear mother, prepare to meet your 
God, that we all may meet around our Father's 
throne, to sing praises to the Lamb forever. "I 
will praise the Lord for what he hath done for 
me." We have happy times here; our meeting 
is still going on, and we cannot tell when it will 

end, for the sinners of L are still flocking 

around the altar. Last Sabbath afternoon we had 



46 THREE YEARS 

a happy time; we had an experience meetings 
when the young converts rose up and told what 
the Lord had done for their souls. S. C. spoke 
beautiful; he said he was going to follow his 
mother (who, we hope, is gone to glory). 
what weeping there was! tell all my friends 

at B that I pray for them that they may see 

their deplorable condition before they die. 

Yours in love, 

S. H. 

CHAPTER II. 

In April, the church was reorganized as the 
"Church of God;" and J. Winebrenner and J. 
Flake were chosen as joint pastors. A large num- 
ber had been brought to the Lord, and united with 
the church. Many of the old members, and near- 
ly ail of the new converts were baptized, that is, 
immersed, in the name of the Father, Son and 
Holy Spirit; and, in the midst of opposition all 
around, set out to walk in the footsteps of their 
divine Master toward the promised land. 

It was now determined to make an effort to 
build a new meeting-house. The lot of ground, 
at the corner of Orange and Prince Streets, was 
purchased for ^1500. The members of the church, 
and citizens generally, were very liberal in their 
subscriptions; about ^3500 being collected in the 
town and other places through the country, far 
and near. 



IN LANCASTER. 47 

The corner-stone was laid by the writer, (J. F.) 
and other brethren, in the name of the Lord, July 
12, 1841, accompanied by solemn religious ser- 
vices, in the presence of a large congregation. 
The house of worship was finished in a plain, neat 
and very convenient style, — 45 feet wide, and 60 
feet in length — with galleries, and a basement 
story. Built of brick — and three stories high; 
and will accommodate from six to eight hundred 
persons. The house and ground cost upwards of 
^7000. 

The new house was opened in the Spring of 
1842; as the following letter, written at the time, 
will show. 

March 28, 1842. 

The new meeting-house called the Union Beth- 
el, built by the Church of God in Lancaster, was 
dedicated to the worship of Almighty God on 
Sabbath, March 20. The weather was very fa- 
vourable, and large congregations attended on the 
solemn occasion. In the morning at 9 o'clock a 
prayer meeting was held in the old house, at the 
close of which the congregation formed in order, 
and went in procession to the new house, the 
preachers leading the way. Brother Winebren- 
ner preached the first sermon from 1 Kings, 8th 
chapter, and part of 63d verse. " So the king 
and the children of Israel dedicated the house of 
E 2 



48 THREE YEARS 

the Lord." The first hymn sung was composed 
for the occasion. In the afternoon the writer ad- 
dressed the congregation from Hebrews, 12th 
chapter, verses 22, 23, 24. In the evening bro- 
ther Ross preached from Luke, 14th chapter, 22d 
verse. " And yet there is room." The services 
were solemn and profitable and the contributions 
very liberal towards the expenses of the building. 

The meetings are continued every night, and 
more or less con*e forward to the altar seeking 
the Lord. We have been favoured with the pre- 
sence of several of our ministering brethren, 
namely, brothers Ross, M'Fadden, West and 
Suavely, whose labours are always very accepta- 
ble and profitable. 

Last Monday sixteen believers followed their 
Lord in the holy ordinance of Christian baptism 
in the neighbouring stream. On Good Friday 
we had preaching morning and afternoon, and in 
the evening, after washing one another's feet, 
those who loved the Lord knelt around his table 
and united in commemorating his dying love by 
eating of the bread and drinking of the wine which 
shows forth his death until he comes again. Bless- 
ed be God for the hope and promise he has given 
that the second advent of the Saviour is very near 
at hand. Until that blessed and glorious morn- 
ing dawns, when he shall return again to this 
world, according to his word, baptism and the 



IN LANCASTER. 4p 

breaking of bread must be continued in his 
church. 

Yesterday we had preaching three times, and 
this afternoon there will be another baptism at 
the usual place. Last night and the preceding 
night five or six professed to find salvation. 

J. F. 



The following Hymn, written by J. W., was 
sung at the Dedication of the " Union Be- 
theV 

Here stands the "Union Bethel/' 

Now finished and complete; 
And here are church and people^ 

To occupy each seat. 
How pleasant and how joyful, 

To see the willing crowd, 
Conven'd before Jehovah, 

On Bethel's solemn ground. 

Like Solomon and Israel, 

We'll dedicate this house, 
By holy acts of worship — 

By sacrifice and vows. 
May Father, Son, and Spirit, 

The God we love and fear; 
Display his pow'r and glory, 

And greatly bless us here. 



50 THREE YEAES 

Here may the Gospel's power 

Be often realized; 
And many be converted, 

And fitted for the skies; 
With grace's richest pasture, 

Ihj flock here often feed, 
And make this house's glory. 

The former's to exceed. 

Then ministers and people 

Will always love to meet; 
And worship in this temple, 

Before thy mercy seat. 
And whilst we wait together, 

On consecrated ground; 
0! may our souls enraptur'd, 

For glory, meet be found. 



CHAPTER III. 

Through the years '41 and '42, Brother W. 
and myself laboured jointly in the Gospel in 
Lancaster: Brother W. continuing to reside in 

Harrisburg, but visiting L from time to 

time. The writer has continued to reside in 
Lancaster, and to preach here, from the day he 
first came to the place. For the last year, 1843, 
he has been labouring alone as pastor of the 
church. 

During these three years, a large number have 



IN LANCASTER. 51 

professed to experience converting grace. The 
Lord has favoured his people here with his pre- 
sence; and, especially through the winter and 
spring of the year, the meetings for worship are 
generally kept up every night. The church 
numbers about three hundred members, many of 
them devout, faithful, and humble followers of 
Christ. 

We have public preaching Sabbath morning 
and evening. In the evening, especially, the 
house is generally crowded with a large and at- 
tentive congregation. Through the week, prayer 
meetings and class meetings are regularly kept 
up, both in private houses and in the meeting 
house. On the evening of the first Sabbath of 
the month, the holy communion of the Lord's 
Supper is celebrated; and occasionally, in pri- 
vate meetings, the members wash one another's 
feet, according to the command and example of 
their divine Master. 

The three years spent in L are remem- 
bered by me with thankfulness to the Lord. I 
call to mind the many, who in the morning of 
life turned to God, and took upon them the yoke 
of Christ. I remember the power which the 
preaching of the Gospel had — the prayer meet- 
ings; the experience meetings; the solemn bap- 
tisms; the holy communion seasons. 

I thank God that so many were called in the 
town and through the neighbouring country; and 



52 THKEE YEARS 

that now the primitive doctrine and practice has 
many advocates, and some fair examples of what 
Christians were in days of old. Some have died 
in peace; others removed away; many yet re- 
main. 

The religious meetings of our brethren in 

L , as well as elsewhere, have frequently 

been attended with great excitement among the 
people present. Very warm and earnest ad- 
dresses, by way of preaching and exhortation, 
and the prayers and hymns of the same kind, 
have been usual. 

I suppose a revival of religion could not take 
place without excitement; and there must be al- 
lowance made on such occasions for the warmth 
of feeling which exists. If the holy fire is kin- 
dled, let it burn — and bear with some things not 
exactly in order — for the sake of the good really 
done. 

I feel greatly attached to the people of Lancas- 
ter; not only those who are of our communion, 
but others also. I hope it may be found as 
in Corinth, that the "Lord has much people in 
that city." Unto myself they have been very 
friendly. The saints have been so, and even sin- 
ners. 

To several of the brethren I am under obliga- 
tion, having abode with them a considerable time 
under their friendly roof, especially J. S. G. and 
E. S. May all with whom I held intercourse 



IN LANCASTER. 53 

be found in the everlasting kingdom of God's 
dear Son. 

Lancaster has a population of about nine thou- 
sand persons. It is a small city, in the midst of 
a most fertile and flourishing country. It is se- 
venty miles, by rail road, west of Philadelphia. 
The German language is much in use. 

When we came, three years ago, and preached 
the knowledge of salvation, by the remission of 
sins, through faith in Christ Jesus, who tasted 
death for every man; and that all who believe in 
his name are to be baptized, even as he was once 
immersed in the river Jordan; there was, at first, 
some opposition and persecution to bear, but it 
passed away, and those who bore it were the bet- 
ter for it. 

I have good hope that, now, many in Lancas- 
ter have their names written in the book of life 
in heaven. 

As our appointments are made yearly, and I 
have been in Lancaster three years, I am, for the 
year to come, a general missionary. 

J. F. 
April, 1844. 



54 THREE YEARS 



SKETCH OF A DISCOURSE 

Preached in Lancaster, Pa., Sabbath EveJimg, 
December 10, 1843. Pt/ J. F. 

Luke i. 67, 68. — And his father, Zacharias, was filled with 
the Holy Ghost, and prophesied, saying, Blessed be the 
Lord God of Israel, for he hath visited and redeemed his 
people. 

Zacharias was a priest of the Lord, and, toge- 
ther with his wife, Elizabeth, walked in all the 
commandments and ordinances of the Lord 
blameless. The angel Gabriel was sent to inform 
Zacharias that he should be the father of a child 
who should be called John, and who should be 
great as a prophet of the Lord. 

The message was so strange, as well as joyful, 
that Zacharias could hardly believe it — tlierefore 
the angel told him that he should be dumb, and 
not able to speak until the day that these things 
should be performed. 

After the birth of the child, the father and 
mother both called his name John; and then the 
mouth of Zacharias being opened immediately, 
he was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophe- 
sied, speaking forth the glorious words recorded 
by St. Luke. 

To prophes}^, sometimes means the foretelling 
of future events; or, else, speaking and teaching 
in the name of the Lord, and by his authority. 



IN LANCASTER. 55 

No one can prophesy truly, unless he has the 
Holy Spirit; for, says St. Paul, "Even so the 
things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of 
God;" 1 Cor. ii. 11. "But God hath revealed 
them unto us by his Spirit;" ver. 10. 

Zacharias here speaks of what the Lord was 
about to do, as already done. His full soul 
breaks forth in the language of holy joy. "Bless- 
ed be the Lord God of Israel." Israel had but 
one God. He — the Holy One — had been the 
God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob. He 
had renewed his covenant with their fathers, 
when Moses led them like a flock through the 
wilderness of Arabia. They were to be his peo- 
ple in all generations, and he their God. 

After they were settled in the promised land, 
the Lord was with them. His visible presence 
was seen in the tabernacle, over the mercy seat. 
His prophets, age after age, spake in his name, 
and his hand preserved, and guarded, and sus- 
tained them. Their eyes beheld the mighty mi- 
racles wrought by his power in their behalf; and 
when they transgressed his law, the same hand 
sometimes severely punished their transgres- 
sions. 

A considerable time had elapsed since any pro- 
phet of note had been among them. Malachi 
was the last. He had lived and prophesied about 
four hundred years previous to the birth of John, 
the herald of the Messiah. 



56 DISCOURSE 

But now the Lord God of Israel was about to 
visit his people again in mercy; and, as usual, he 
makes his purpose known to his servants, the 
prophets. Others had beheld it at a distance. 
Zacharias beholds it near at hand. 

And who is the visiter? This we may learn 
from the angel Gabriel's message to Mary; Luke 
i. 32—35. The visiter was to be "the Son of 
the Highest"—" the Son of God." He was to 
be a King of the family of David, according to 
the flesh, and to reign over the house of Jacob 
forever. 

But before he could reign as a King, he had a 
great work to accomplish. He must first redeem 
those over whom he is to reign. He finds the 
race of Adam in captivity. The evil one had 
taken captive all, both Jew and Gentile. And 
now, that the promise to Abraham might be ful- 
filled, and all nations of the earth be blessed in 
his seed, the Redeemer has come from heaven to 
earth — the only begotten Son from the bosom o 
the Father, has come on his errand of love. 

According to the usages of men, a captive may 
be redeemed by the payment of a ransom price, 
or he may be redeemed by the strong arm of su- 
perior power. And in some few cases, out of 
great love, one has suffered pain or death to re- 
deem another. 

In redeeming lost and guilty men, it pleased 
the God of Israel to purchase their redemption, 



ON LUKE I. 67 68. 57 

not by silver and gold, but by the sufferings 
and death of the Messiah. This was foretold by 
Isaiah and others. Isaiah llii.; " Surely he hath 
borne our griefs and carried our sorrows. But 
he was wounded for our transgressions; he was 
bruised for our iniquities — the chastisement of 
our peace was upon him; with his stripes we are 
healed.'^ 

The Messiah of the Old Testament was to be 
a suffering Saviour, as well as a glorious King. 
This the Jewish people did not understand; and 
even now, with the exiled Israelites in the read- 
ing of the prophets, the veil is on their heart. A 
crucified Messiah is to them a stone of stum- 
bling, and rock of offence. 

And now that the Son of God has suffered and 
died to redeem the fallen race, he has all power 
in heaven and in earth given unto him. This 
power is exercised in enlightening, and drawing 
sinners to himself; for in his cross there is this 
strange, mysterious power of reaching, and melt- 
ing, and breaking the heart, which no other 
power can effect. Every one thus called and 
drawn, is justified and pardoned, for ''He has 
power on earth to forgive sins." The believer 
is now adopted into the family of God, receives 
the gift of the Holy Spirit, and looks forward to, 
and prepares for, the everlasting kingdom. 

Now all this blessed work of visiting and re- 
deeming, the Lord God does in, and by, and 



58 CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE. 

through his Son. Therefore the Father is in the 
Son, and the Son is in the Father. In the Old 
Testament the God of Israel is called the Re- 
deemer; in the New Testament, Jesus, the Son 
of God, is the Redeemer. Thus the Father and 
the Son are one. It is God, in Christ, recon- 
ciling the world unto himself. 

This redemption comes first unto the Jewish 
people. A remnant from among them have be- 
lieved, and found salvation. And now the same 
word of redeeming mercy that sounded out from 
Jerusalem, is preached among the Gentile na- 
tions. Every one that hears and believes, be- 
comes a spiritual child of Israel: and filled with 
the same spirit of holy joy, may say with Zacha- 
rias, "Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he 
hath visited and redeemed his people.^' 



CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE. 
CHAPTER I. 

THE FATHER AND THE SON. 

" Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners." 

St. Paul. 

The great doctrine of the New Testament is, 
that " God so loved the world, that he gave his 



CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE. 59 

only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in 
him should not perish, but have everlasting life." 

This had been foretold by the prophets; but 
yet the thing itself was so strange, that when the 
glorious Messenger came, but few were suffi- 
ciently enlightened to receive him. It is true, 
notwithstanding; and the glorious doctrine pre- 
vailed more and more, until millions believed 
that the Son of God has indeed appeared in the 
world. "Blessed are all they who know the 
joyful sound." 

Salvation has its origin in the Father's love — 
He so loved the world — and the Son, who is in 
the bosom of the Father, is the gift of that love. 

Here, then, we have the blessed doctrine of 
the Father and the Son. Our minds cannot fully 
comprehend how it is, that the Father and the 
Son are one, but we can believe the fact that it 
is so. And every divinely enlightened soul re- 
ceives with joy the heavenly truth — that the 
Father sent his only begotten Son into the world 
to save sinners. The news is so good, that every 
humble and contrite heart gladly believes it. 

The true Christian church always has held, 
and yet holds fast, the belief of the divinity of 
our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. 

In the apostles' days, the inspired preachers 
and writers seem to have regarded the divinity 
of the Saviour as acknowledged by all true be- 
lievers. 

P 2 



60 CHEISTIAN DOCTRINE. 

CHAPTER 11. 

THE ATONEMENT. 

Jesus says, " Thus it is written, and thu& it behoved Chri&t 
to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day ; and that 
repentance and remission of sins should be preached in 
his name, among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem." 

Paul says, " Christ died for our sins according to the Scrip- 
tures." 

" That he, by the grace of God, should taste death for every 
man." 

" In whom we have redemption through his blood, the for- 
giveness of sins." 

Peter says, " Ye were redeemed by the precious blood of 
Christ." 

John testifies also — '' He is the propitiation for our sins." 

" The blood of Jesus Christ, his Son, cleanseth us from all 
sin." 

'* Unto him that loved us and washed us from our sins in his 
own blood, be glory and dominion for ever and ever." 
Amen. 

Why should not an innocent being suffer vo- 
luntarily to procure favour for the guilty? There 
have been instances of this kind, occasionally, 
among men, where, out of compassion and love, 
one has suffered to shield another. 

Recollect the case of the king who made a law, 
that whoever committed a certain offence should 
have his eyes put out. His own son was the first 
offender in breaking the law. Here, on the one 
hand, his law called for justice to be rendered to 
the guilty, and his feelings, as a father, yearned - 



CHRISTIAN DOCTRINE. 61 

toward his son. Put out one of my eyes and one 
of his eyes, said the king. 

"But God commendeth his love toward us in 
that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for 
us." So says St. Paul. God's love, then, to a 
guilty race, is even greater than that of men. 

In the doctrine of redemption through Christ's 
atonement, we see the divine wisdom, and jus- 
tice, and mercy, all displayed. 

This blessed doctrine of the atonement of 
Christ is the life of Christianity. Here is the 
secret of the attractive influence which Christ 
has, to draw all men unto himself. The heart of 
man may resist the preaching of terror, but the 
cross of Christ appeals to all that is yet suscepti- 
ble of feeling in our nature; it' moves even those 
who will not yield. 

Christ has suffered for our sins, that w^e may be 
forgiven. He could not suffer everlasting death, 
neither did he suffer to render his Father merci- 
ful, for it was because God was compassionate 
and loving, that he sent his Son to make recon- 
ciliation for our sins. "* 

The whole tenor of the Scriptures sets forth 
the idea of a vicarious sacrifice; that is, one suf- 
fering in the room and instead of another. He 
is our substitute. He dies the death of nature, to 
save us from everlasting death. All the sacri- 
fices of the Old Testament point to Him, who 
took on himself a human body for the suffering 



62 CHRISTMAS. 

of death. The prophets and apostles join to tes- 
tify of him, as the Lamb of God that takes away 
the sin of the world. 

He died, indeed, as a martyr for truth and 
righteousness, but he had much more to accom- 
plish by his death. He came to redeem, and had 
to pay the ransom price. He came as a Saviour, 
and was made perfect by suffering. 

The true church has always held this blessed 
doctrine of a vicarious atonement. Without it, 
Christianity loses its power. 



CHRISTMAS.—/. F. 

Israel's King is born to-day. 
Listen what the angels say; 
"Glory be to God on high," 
Men no more need fear to die. 

how sweet the angels sing. 
Round the babe of Bethlehem; 
And the shepherds come to view, 
Israel's King and Saviour too. 

See him in the manger laid. 
Low and humble is his bed; 
See his blessed mother near. 
Watching o'er the babe so dear. 



THE FIRST ADVENT. 63 

Christ has come to set us free, 
He brings peace and liberty; 
From the world above he came, 
Jesus is the Saviour's name. 



THE FIRST AND SECOND ADVENT, OR 
COMING OF THE LORD. 

CHAPTER I. 

For many hundred years the faith and hope of 
the saints of old was directed to the coming of 
the great Deliverer, whose appearance in our 
world was promised. Abraham saw the day 
of the Messiah in the future and was glad — Ja- 
cob, when dying, said — "I have waited for thy 
salvation, Lord." But it tarried long, and 
they died in the faith and hope of being raised 
again from the dead, to share in the glory and 
blessedness of that better day — the Sabbath of the 
world — the rest remaining for the people of God. 

" Prophets and kings desir'd it long, 
But died without the sight." 

At length He came — in all the humility of a 
lowly birth — yet of the seed of Abraham — of the 
tribe of Judah — of the family of David — born of 
a Virgin. He came at the time he was expect- 



64 THE FIRST ADVENT. 

ed— and Bethlehem was the place to which the 
angels came to welcome his First Jidvent with 
the song of ^' Glory to God in the highest, on 
earth peace, good will to men." 

"Hail, to the Lord's Anointed, 

Great David's greater Son ; 
Hail, in the time appointed, 

His reign on earth begun." 

He sojourned among men between thirty and 
forty years; and oh, what a work of mercy he 
wrought in that short period of time. What a 
revolution he began in the state of man on earth. 
He kindled a fire of love in the human heart that 
will never go out. He threw around the dawn- 
ing of a heavenly light, which continues still to 
shine, as it increases to the perfect day — and when 
at last he was lifted up and died in pain and shame 
on the cross, it was, that he might draw all men 
to himself, and reconcile them to the Father of 
mercies — who had sent him into the world. By 
the grace of God, he tasted death for every man. 

He was taken down from the cross, and buried 
in the tomb of Joseph, by his weeping disciples; 
men and women. Their hearts were sunk in sor- 
row — they had thought this was He that should 
have redeemed Israel — but their hopes were al- 
most buried with him in the grave where he lay. 

On the third day they went to visit his dark 



THE FIRST ADVENT. 65 

and lowly resting place, but his body was not 
there. They returned in wonder and amazement 
at the report they heard that he was alive. That 
same day he appeared among them again — and 
banished all their fears — faith and hope again re- 
turned, and filled their souls with immortal joy. 
These were strange and glorious realities — wit- 
nessed by many, who could not be deceived, and 
could not wish to deceive others. 

Forty days He continued with his disciples — 
instructing them in the things pertaining to his 
kingdom, and giving them their commission to 
preach repentance and remission of sins in his 
name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. 
What their eyes had seen — their ears heard — and 
their hands and hearts had felt — these things they 
were to testify to others. 

He led his disciples out to Bethany, at the 
Mount of Olives; and there, while he lifted up 
his hands and blessed them, he was parted from 
them, and carried up into heaven, a cloud receiv- 
ing him out of their sight. While they, with 
longing eyes, followed their beloved Master in 
his heavenward flight, two angels stood by them 
in white apparel, who said, ^' Ye men of Galilee, 
why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same 
Jesus, who is taken up from you into heaven, 
shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him 
go into heaven." Then they worshipped Him, 
and returned to Jerusalem with great joy. 



66 THE SECOND ADVENT. 

CHAPTER II. 

THE SECOND COMING OF THE LORD. 

Before his sufferings, our blessed Saviour told 
his disciples it was needful he should go away, 
but promised that he would return again. 

And now for eighteen hundred years he has 
been absent. The hearts of his disciples have 
become almost weary at his long delay in return- 
ing according to his word. But St. Peter tells 
us, "the Lord is not slack concerning his pro- 
mise, as some men count slackness; but is long 
suffering to us ward, not willing that any should 
perish, but that all should come to repentance." 
Therefore we see that his delay lengthens out to 
many the day of mercy. 

Still we may be assured He will return, and 
that suddenly. Meanwhile in the world's histo- 
ry all things are working according to his word. 
The times of the Gentiles pass along, during 
which God is taking out from among them a 
people for himself. The long night of heathen 
idolatry draws to a close; and we may hope that 
ere long the Sun of Righteousness will arise up- 
on our dark and sorrowful world in all his bright- 
ness. The day of redemption will come — and it 
will be the day of judgment too. 

Do I mean that our Saviour will come in per- 
son, and that soon? Assuredly I do. For if the 
prophecies of his first advent were all literally 



THE SECOND ADVENT. 67 

fulfilled; we may certainly expect that it will be 
so, in the promises he gave his disciples, of his 
returning again for their salvation. 

But is not the millennium, or thousand years 
of righteousness and peace to elapse before He 
comes? 

Answer. We have no reason to look for any 
millennium until the Saviour comes to introduce 
it by his personal presence among men. He tells 
us that the tares and wheat will grow together 
until the harvest, which is the end of the world. 
That the wise virgins and the foolish virgins will, 
in their state of wisdom or folly, be roused at the 
cry, that the bridegroom cometh — and that, as it 
was in the days of Noah, so will it be in the day 
when he shall come. 

Until that day it will continue to be a scene of 
conflict and temptation — during which we have 
to enter into the kingdom through much tribula- 
tion; and in which the disciple is, more or less, 
to be conformed to the image of Christ, even in 
his sufferings. The day oT victory and rejoicing 
will only come, when the King of Israel comes 
to set up his everlasting kingdom. Then shall 
the saying be fulfilled, that the kingdoms of this 
world have become the kingdom of God and his 
Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever. 

For the truth of these views, I appeal to the 
sayings of Jesus, and his inspired apostles; who 
certainly meant just what they said. 

G 



68 THE SECOND ADVENT. 

In accordance then, with the apostles, and the 
primitive Christians, whose writings and faith 
have been handed down to us, we may look for 
the literal coming of that same Jesus, who, from 
the Mount of Olives ascended into heaven. That 
He will bring those with him, who have died in 
faith and hope; and that then will be the resur- 
rection of the just, and the changing of the living 
saints into an immortal state. Well might Saint 
Paul say to the Thessalonian Christians, " Com- 
fort one another with these words." 

" O happy, happy place, 
Where saints and angels meet ; 

There we shall see each other's face, 
And all our brethren greet. 

" The church of the first-born, 

We shall with them be blest ; 
And crowned with endless joy return, 

To our eternal rest." 

CHAPTER III. 

SECOND COMING OF THE LORD. 

The people of God, in all ages, have looked 
forward for the day of deliverance which God 
had promised in Eden. 

In the following sayings, taken from the Holy 
Scriptures, the second advent of our blessed Sa- 
viour, in person, is set forth exceedingly clear. 



THE SECOND ADVENT. 69 

First — From the Old Testament. 

Job xix. 25-27 — "For I know that my Re- 
deemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the lat- 
ter day upon the earth. And though, after my 
skin, worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh 
shall I see God: Whom I shall see for myself, 
and mine eyes shall behold, and not another, 
though my reins be consumed within me." 

Here is Job's faith in God as his Redeemer, 
and that his Redeemer would stand on the earth 
at the latter day, and he himself, raised from the 
dead, and in the flesh, behold his God. 

Psalm 1. 3, 4 — "Our God shall come, and shall 
not keep silence: a fire shall devour before him, 
and it shall be very tempestuous round about 
him. He shall call to the heavens from ^bove, 
and to the earth, that he may judge his people." 
Also verse 5. 

Malachi iii. 1-4 — " Behold, I will send my 
messenger, and he shall prepare the way before 
me; and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly 
come to his temple, even the messenger of the 
covenant whom ye delight in: behold, he shall 
come, saith the Lord of hosts. But who may 
abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand 
when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, 
and like fullers' soap. And he shall sit as a re- 
finer and purifier of silver; and he shall purify 
the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and sil- 



70 THE SECOND ADVENT. 

ver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offer- 
ing in righteousness. Then shall the offering of 
Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, 
as in the days of old, and as in former years." 

Malachi iv. 1-3— "For, behold, the day 
Cometh that shall burn as an oven, and all the 
proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be 
stubble; and the day that cometh shall burn them 
up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave 
them neither root nor branch. But unto you that 
fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise 
vi^ith healing in his wings, and ye shall go forth 
and grow up as calves of the stall. And ye shall 
tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes 
under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall 
do this, saith the Lord of Hosts." 

Zechariah xiv. 4, 5 — "And his feet shall stand 
in that day upon the Mount of Olives — And the 
Lord, my God, shall come, and all the saints with 
thee." 

From the New Testament. 

When the Messiah had come as a suffering Sa- 
viour, he taught his disciples to look for his 
coming again in glory as a King, that he might 
be the Judge of all men. 

Matt. xvi. 27 — "For the Son of man shall 
come in the glory of his Father, with his angels; 
and then he shall reward every man according to 
his works." 



THE SECOND ADVENT. 71 

Matt. xxiv. 23 — "Then if any man shall say 
unto you, Lo, here is Christ, or there, believe it 
not." 

Verse 27 — "For as the lightning cometh out 
of the east, and shineth even unto the west, so 
shall also the coming of the Son of man be.'^ 

Verse 30 — "And then shall appear the sign of 
the Son of man in heaven; and then shall all the 
tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the 
Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven, w^ith 
power and great glory.'^ Also Mark xiii. 26; 
Luke xxi. 27. 

Luke xvii. 24 — "For as the lightning that 
lighteneth out of the one part under heaven, 
shineth unto the other part under heaven, so 
shall also the Son of man be in his day.'' 

Matt. xxiv. 29-31 — " Immediately after the 
tribulation of those days shall the sun be dark- 
ened, and the moon shall not give her light, and 
the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers 
of the heavens shall be shaken. And then shall 
appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and 
then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and 
they shall see the Son of man coming in the 
clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. 
And he shall send his angels with a great sound 
of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his 
elect from the four winds, from one end of hea- 
ven to the other." 

Mark xiv. 61, 62, and Matt. xxvi. 64~" Again 
g2 



72 THE SECOND ADVENT. 

the high priest asked him and said unto him, Art 
thou the Christ, the Son of the Blessed? And 
Jesus said, I am; and ye shall see the Son of man 
sitting on the right hand of power, and coming in 
the clouds of heaven." 

Luke xxiv. 50, 51 — "And he led them out as 
far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands and 
blessed them. And it came to pass, while he 
blessed them, he was parted from them and car- 
ried up into heaven." 

Acts i. 9-11 — "While they beheld he was 
taken up, and a cloud received him out of their 
sight. And while they looked steadfastly toward 
heaven as he went up, behold, tw^o men stood by 
them in white apparel; which also said. Ye men 
of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? 
This same Jesus which is taken up from you into 
heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have 
seen him go into heaven." 

1 Thessalonians i. 10 — "And to wait for his 
Son from heaven whom he raised from the dead, 
even Jesus." 

Philippians iii. 20 — "For our conversation is 
in heaven; from whence, also, we look for the 
Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ." 

1 Thessalonians iv. 16, 17-—" For the Lord 
himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, 
with the voice of the archangel and the trump of 
God; and- the dead in Christ shall rise first. 
Then we which are alive, and remain, shall be 



THE SECOND ADVENT. 73 

caught up together with them in the clouds, to 
meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever 
be with the Lord." 

St. Paul writing to Timothy. 2d Epistle iv. 1, 
i^, says — "I charge thee, therefore, before God 
and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall* judge the 
quick and the dead at his appearing and his king- 
dom — Preach the word." 

Verse 8 — "Henceforth there is laid up for me 
a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the 
righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and 
not to me only, but unto all them, also, that love 
his appearing." 

And to the Colossians, iii. 4 — "When Christ, 
who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also 
appear with him in glory." 

And to the Thessalonians, 2d Epistle i. 7, 8 — 
"The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven 
with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, taking 
vengeance on them that know not God, and that 
obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." 

1 Thessalonians iii. 13 — "To the end he may 
establish your hearts unblameable in holiness be- 
fore God, even our Father, at the coming of our 
Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints." 

Titus ii. 13 — "Looking for that blessed hope, 
and the glorious appearing of the great God and 
our Saviour Jesus Christ." 

Hebrews ix. 28 — "Unto them that look for 



74 THE SECOND ADVENT. 

him shall he appear the second time without sin 
unto salvation/^ 

St. Peter, in his sermon at Jerusalem, says, 
Acts iii. 20, 21, "And he shall send Jesus Christ, 
which before was preached unto you: Whom the 
heaven must receive until the times of restitution 
of all things which God hath spoken by the 
mouth of all his holy prophets since the world 
began." 

1 Peter v. 4 — "And when the chief Shepherd 
shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory 
that fadeth not away." 

CHAPTER IV. 

SECOND COMING OF THE LORD. 

Question. Do I believe that this awful, yet 
blessed and glorious event — the coming of Christ 
in person — is near at hand? 

Ansvjer. Assuredly I do believe it is near. 
How near exactly cannot be said. Some, I fear, 
have been to blame, in venturing to set particular 
years with certainty. 

The minds of wise and good men have been 
directed to several different periods for the pro- 
bable commencement of the day of terror and 
glory. Some have looked to 1836, 1843, 1847, 
1866. It is remarkable what a wonderful degree 
of interest and expectation is aroused in the 
minds of the wise and good, as to some great and 



THE SECOND ADVENT. 75 

all-important event being about to take place in 
our world's history. And even if it should be 
delayed until 1866, or longer, it is still nigh' — 
even at the door. 

So that while we avoid rashness and presump- 
tion on the one hand, let us not be foolish and 
unbelieving with regard to matters of such vast 
importance. 

Q. What reason have I to believe that some 
great and wonderful change is just before us? 

*^. Because nearly all the prophecies of events 
that were to precede the latter-day glory have 
been fulfilled: and those not yet fully accom- 
plished might, if God so please, be finished in a 
short period of time. 

Q. What things may we look for as taking 
place immediately preceding, or just about the 
time of Christ's coming? 

Ji. The Gospel shall have been preached in all 
nations for a witness unto them. This, perhaps, 
is almost or quite done. 

The time of trouble, caused by the rise of An- 
tichrist. 

The coming of Elijah, as spoken of by Mala- 
chi, 4th chapter. 

The conversion and gathering to Christ, as 
their Saviour and King, of the remnant of Israel, 
or the Jewish people. 

The signs in the sun, and inoon, and stars. 



76 THE SECOND ADVENT. 

All these things, if not yet come to pass, might 
be accomplished in a very short time. 

The reader will see more on this subject a few 
chapters further on in this little book, especially 
of the prophecies concerning Israel. 

CHAPTER V. 

SECOND COMING OF THE LORD. 

Question. Will it not, when Christ comes in 
person, be the day of wrath and of judgment? 

Answer. Yes. For St. Paul says, 3 Thess. i. 
7, 8, "The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from 
heaven with his mighty angels, in flaming fire, 
taking vengeance on them that know not God, 
and that obey not the Gospel of our Lord Jesus 
Christ." 

It is to be feared that a very large part of man- 
kind will then be found wilfully ignorant of God, 
and disobedient to the Gospel of his dear Son. 
These will be the proud, and those who do wick- 
edly — spoken of by the prophet Malachi, 4th 
chapter. 

Even now, how large a part of the nations 
where Christianity is acknowledged, are yet 
living in ignorance, and pride, and disobedience; 
these will be swept away in the flaming fire. 

We are not to suppose that the day of judg- 
ment will be merely a natural day of twenty-four 
hours. It will be the time of judgment, and may 



THE SECOND ADVENT. 77 

probably be a thousand years or more. Christ 
will then come to judge, and rule, and reign. 
We may expect that it will be ushered in with 
fire, which will overwhelm the unbelieving, and 
proud, and wicked, living on earth. 

The 20th chapter of Revelations speaks of the 
blessedness of those who have part in the first 
resurrection, which will take place at the coming 
of Jesus, when the day of judgment begins. It 
is probable that all the departed saints will then 
rise, and those living on earth at Christ's ap- 
pearing will be changed to an immortal state. 
1 Thess. iv. 16, 17. 

At the close of this day, or thousand years of 
glory and terror, it is likely that the second re- 
surrection will take place, when the unrighteous 
dead will be raised, and all who are found evil 
will be sent away into everlasting punishment. 
Rev. XX. 5. 

Reader — very likely the great day of the Lord 
is near at hand. Are you prepared to meet it? 
Have you a humble and contrite heart — have you 
a true and living faith in Jesus Christ, who died 
on the cross for sinners — does your faith produce 
the fruits of humble obedience and self-denial? 
Are you living to God, and do you love the ap- 
pearing of Jesus? 

If so, you may lift up your head with joy. If 
not, it will be to you a day of everlasting sor- 
row. 



78 

THE PROPHECIES. 

CHAPTER I. 

How strange is the state in which we find our- 
selves. We look around and inquire where we 
have come from, and what took place before we 
had a being. We know but a small part of the 
history of the globe on which we dwell, and of 
the race of man of which we make a part. We 
know a few things regarding several nations of 
renown that have passed away, of whom we have 
an account in what is called profane history. But 
the only records on which we can with certainty 
rely, are those of the Holy Scriptures. 

The Bible gives us the only credible and ra- 
tional account of the origin of the world in which 
we live, and of those who inhabit it. It tells us 
of the changes which have taken place in the earth 
itself, especially by the flood, — and of the strange 
eventful history of at least a part of the human 
family. And these accounts are corroborated by 
tradition, by philosophy, and by all the other 
sources of knowledge we have. 

Every real evidence shows that the human 
race has not existed in this world more than 
about six thousand years: the Hindoo and Chi- 
nese histories and traditions cannot be relied on. 

What a lively interest we feel in that which is 
past in the history of our world j and especially 



THE PROPHECIES. 79 

in those things which relate to the communica- 
tions and intercourse of God our Maker and Sa- 
viour with man. We are told that "God, who 
at sundry times and in divers manners spake in 
times past unto the fathers by the prophets, hath 
in these last days spoken unto us by his Son;" 
Heb. i. 1, 2. We are told that this glorious and 
blessed Son of God came into the world, in hu- 
man form, to teach and redeem and save a lost 
race. 

The narratives given to us by the four friends 
of Jesus who have written his biography, are 
plain and artless. They give account of his pri- 
vate and public intercourse with those around 
him. They tell of his birth, so wonderful — his 
humility — his purity— his works of love and 
power — his sufferings — his death — his resurrec- 
tion — and ascension to heaven. 

These are the things which have already taken 
place in our world's history, and w^e anxiously 
desire to know whether God our Saviour regards 
us at present, and what will transpire in days to 
come. 

As we have only some fragments of the histo- 
ry of our world that is past — so in the prophecies 
we have a few sketches of the great events yet 
future, that we are to look for. 

H 



80 THE PROPHECIES. 

CHAPTER II. 

It is remarkable, that the great events which 
have already taken place, in the providence of 
God, toward our world, have almost always been 
made known beforehand by the Lord. So it 
was before the deluge — Noah was informed of 
what was coming, and he was a preacher of right- 
eousness one hundred and twenty years; no doubt 
engaged in warning others. Abraham was in- 
formed of the destruction coming on Sodom and 
Gomorrah, and so was Lot. The Jewish people 
were warned of the seventy years captivity in 
Babylon; the ruin of Babylon was foretold, — of 
Nineveh — of Egypt — of Edom, — and how very 
plainly was the destruction of Jerusalem made 
known by our Saviour. 

And as to the great and glorious favours which 
God designed to confer on men, and which have 
already come, these were likewise spoken of and 
promised before they came. Jacob prophesied 
that his children would be brought again out of 
Egypt, — and that the sceptre should not depart 
from Judah until Shiloh came. Many of the 
prophets spake of the birth and suflferings and re- 
surrection of tlie Messiah, and of the spread of 
light and mercy consequent thereon, to the Gen- 
tile nations, as well as to Israel. So that history 
and prophecy, in the time past and present, won- 
derfully correspond together. 



THE PROPHECIES. 81 

These strange and glorious events thus fore- 
told, have been literally fulfilled. The political 
events mentioned in the prophecies of Daniel are 
now matters of history. And so with regard to 
the time, the birth-place, the family from which 
our Saviour came — all these predictions were li- 
terally accomplished. May we not expect that 
those prophecies yet future, will have just as ex- 
act an accomplishment. 

^' Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear 
the words of this prophecy, and keep those 
things which are written therein: for the time is 
at hand," — St. John's Rev. 



CHAPTER III. 

Question. What may we yet expect according 
to the sure Word of prophecy? 

Jesus said to his disciples, "And this Gospel of 
the kingdom shall be preached in all the world, 
for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the 
end come;" Matt. xxiv. 14. 

He does not say that all men, or even all na- 
tions shall believe it, but it shall be preached in 
all the world, for a witness unto all nations. 

Has this been done? I think it has been near- 
ly accomplished. Ever since the apostles' days 
it has prevailed in one or another part of the 
world. At first it was published in the land of 
Judea, and the countries round about that favour- 



82 THE PROPHECIES. 

ed land. Then in the cities of Greece, in Asia 
Minor, in Syria, in Rome itself, and along the 
Mediterranean sea in Africa. 

But since those days of mercy, the dark clouds 
of Mahomet's delusions have overspread the fair 
fields where the Gospel had been planted by Pe- 
ter and Paul, and their fellow labourers. And 
now if we go to look for the churches founded 
in early Christian days, we find them not. 

For fourteen hundred years, the Gospel has 
spread and prevailed through the nations of Eu- 
rope; though very different in its purity and 
simplicity from wliat it was when preached by 
the apostles. Within the two last centuries it 
has been preached in America, and especially in 
these United States, with blessed and glorious 
results. Here it has been preached to the rem- 
nants of the Indian tribes; and many of the poor 
red men of the forest have been enlightened and 
tamed, and civilized and blest, and lived and 
died in faith and hope of a better home. And 
here the children of Africa, while slaves, have 
heard the sound of Gospel liberty, and have been 
renewed and saved by divine grace. 

Among the people of these United States, what 
glorious revivals of religion have taken place 
within fifty years past; what multitudes have 
heard the Gospel of the kingdom, and become 
obedient to the heavenly calling. 

The missionaries of Christ have, within the 



THE PROPHECIES. 83 

last fifty years, preached in the lovely islands of 
the great Pacific Ocean; and through their la- 
bours multitudes have been enlightened and blest. 
The people of the Sandwich Islands may almost 
be called a Christian nation: and so among the 
slaves in the West India Islands have these de- 
voted men gone to preach the glad tidings. In 
Greenland — at the southern end of Africa, among 
the Hottentots — on the east and west coast of 
Africa — in Ceylon — in New Zealand — and among 
the ancient, polished, and civilized Hindoos and 
Burmans, in the East Indies — there the mission- 
aries preach the Gospel. 

In the great Empire of China, that strange and 
anciently civilized nation, containing two or three 
hundred millions of people, and which has endea- 
voured so carefully to shut out whatever was new 
or of foreign origin, even there the Gospel has 
been partially made known. More than a thou- 
sand years ago, it would appear that missionaries 
from the Nestorian Christians went there — after- 
ward the missionaries of the Roman church, up- 
ward of a century ago, made considerable pro- 
gress among the people of China — and now, 
within the last fifty years, the Protestant mis- 
sionaries have carried thither the simpler and 
purer doctrine of scriptural Christianity. And 
very likely, now that the intercourse between 
other nations and that country is so greatly en- 
larged, many even from our western world will 
h2 



84 THE PROPHECIES. 

go to that far off eastern land, to tell the unnum- 
bered multitudes of its children that there is a 
Saviour, and a heavenly kingdom into which 
they may find admission, even in these last days 
of the merciful visitation of God's dear Son to a 
fallen world. 

When, therefore, this great Empire of China 
shall have heard the Gospel in its simplicity and 
purity, it will reach once more into Japan, and then, 
where is there another nation yet unvisited? 

How wonderful and glorious has been the 
work of translating and spreading the Holy 
Scriptures since the beginning of the present 
century. Into upwards of one hundred languages 
and dialects it has already been translated, and 
still the work goes on — and on the wings of 
every wind the Holy Writings are wafted over 
the earth— and with the Bible in his hand, and 
the love of Christ in his heart, the missionary 
bids farewell to home and friends, and goes far 
off to heathen lands, to fulfil the Saviour's predic- 
tion, that the Gospel of the kingdom should be 
preached in all the world for a witness unto all 
nations, before the end should come. 

So that we conclude concerning this prophecy 
of our Saviour, that if it has not yet been fully 
accomplished, it soon will be. Not that we are 
warranted to look for the conversion of every 
one who may hear the' Gospel, but it is to be 
preached for a ivitness unto all nations; and 



THE PROPHECIES. 85 

when this is accomplished, the times of the Gen- 
tiles, in the present dispensation, hasten to a 
close. Through all these long ages, the Lord 
has been visiting the Gentiles in mercy, to take 
out from among them a people for himself — So 
says St. Peter. 

CHAPTER IV. 

A TIME OF TROUBLE ANTICHRIST. 

St. Paul, in his second Epistle to the Thessalo- 
nians, informs them, that the ''day of Chrisf 
shall not come, except there come a falling away 
first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of 
perdition; chap. ii. 3. 

This falling away from the original purity and 
simplicity of Christian doctrine and practice, is 
seen in the history of the churches for fourteen 
hundred years past. 

In the Book of Daniel xii. 1, we read — "And 
at that time shall Michael stand up, the great 
prince which standeth for the children of thy 
people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such 
as never was since there was a nation, even to 
that same time; and at that time thy people shall 
be delivered, every one that shall be found writ- 
ten in the book." 

St. John, in his first Epistle, second and fourth 
chapters, speaks of antichrist as being to come. 

These sayings of St. Paul and St. John appear 



8b THE PROPHECIES. 

to refer to some great enemy to arise in the last 
clays in opposition to Christ and his blessed Gos- 
pel, and to tread down his people. There are, 
likewise, a number of intimations to the same 
effect in the writings of the prophets and apos- 
tles. 

The above mentioned sayings of Paul and John 
have been understood by Protestants generally, 
as referring to the Roman church in its awful er- 
rors of doctrine and practice. But does it not 
seem to point out some individual person rising 
up, by the power of the evil one, to great autho- 
rity and power? Something like an incarnation 
of Satan. With knowledge to deceive the credu- 
lous, and power to intimidate the fearful, and in- 
fluence to gather the infidels and the idolaters, 
and the enemies of truth and righteousness 
around him, and to lead them on in persecuting 
the followers of Christ, and making one last great 
effort to keep possession of this earth for the 
devil. 

If this view be correct concerning Antichrist, 
even we, who now live, may possibly have a 
scene of fiery trial to pass through, such as the 
primitive followers of Christ had in the begin- 
ning of the Gospel. It may be severe— but 
short. 

Probably the same great adversary of Christ 
will not only persecute the true followers of the' 
Saviour, but will also hate, and labour to crush 



THE PllOPHECIES. 87 

and destroy, the natural children of Jacob— that 
is, the Jews. 

CHAPTER V. 

THE NATURAL SEED OF ISRAEL WILL BE CONVERTED AND 
GATHERED AGAIN. 

That the natural children of Israel, or the Jews, 
w^ill be again visited in mercy by the Lord in 
these last days, is evident from the prophecies of 
the Old Testament, and also from the New. 
Moses, Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and 
St. Paul, all speak of this. 

They have been broken off for many hundred 
years, because of their unbelief; but the remnant 
is to be graflfed in again into the good olive tree, 
for God is able to graflf them in again. This is 
fully set forth by St. Paul in his Epistle to the 
Romans, 11th chapter. 

They have long been expecting the coming of 
the Messiah, and even now their expectations are 
alive as heretofore. Perhaps, about the time of 
his coming, they will believe and be converted. 
How strange and wonderful it w^ll be, if, amidst 
the changes yet to come, the exiled children of 
Jacob, converted to Christ their King, should 
again return to the homes and graves of their 
fathers at his coming: Jerusalem again be rebuilt, 
and, as the prophet says, be safely inhabited; and 



88 THE PROPHECIES. 

the land of Canaan again flow with milk and 
honey. 

What has been once may be again; and cer- 
tainly the prophecies of the Old Testament speak 
of better days for Israel, which have never yet 
come. 

CHAPTER VI. 

THE PROPHECIES CONCERNING ISRAEL. 

Our blessed Saviour, on his last visit to Jeru- 
salem, intimates that he will visit it again, say- 
ing — ^'0 Jerusalem, Jerusalem, which killest the 
prophets and stonest them that are sent unto thee, 
how often would I have gathered thy children 
together, as a hen doth gather her brood under 
her wings, and ye would not! Behold, your 
house is left unto you desolate; and verily I say 
unto you, ye shall not see me until the time come 
v\^hen ye shall say. Blessed is he that cometh in 
the name of the Lord;" Luke xiii. 34; Matt, 
xxiii. 37. 

The following passages from the writings of 
the prophets and apostles, will show that there 
will be yet another visitation of mercy, even for 
the Jews, or the natural seed of Israel, when the 
remnant shall believe and turn to God in true re- 
pentance. 

Hebrews viii. 8-12 — "Behold, the days come, 
saith the Lord, when I will make a new covenant 



THE PROPHECIES. 89 

with the house of Israel and with the house of 
Judah: Not according to the covenant that I 
made with their fathers in the day when I took 
them by the hand to lead them out of the land of 
Egypt; because they continued not in my cove- 
nant, and I regarded them not, saith the Lord. 
For this is the covenant that I will make with 
the house of Israel after those days, saith the 
Lord; I will put my laws into their mind, and 
write them in their hearts; and I will be to them 
a God, and they shall be to me a people: And 
they shall not teach every man his neighbour, 
and every man his brother, saying, know the 
Lord: for all shall know me, from the least to 
the greatest. For I will be merciful to their un- 
righteousness, and their sins and their iniquities 
will I remember no more." 

This prophecy concerning a new covenant to 
be made in future days with the house of Israel 
and house of Judah, is quoted by St. Paul (who 
is considered as being the author of the Epistle 
to the Hebrews) from the book of Jeremiah xxxi. 
31. Certainly this yet remains to be accom- 
plished in due time. 

Jeremiah xxxii. 37 — "Behold, I will gather 
them out of all countries whither I have driven 
them in mine anger, and in my fury, and in great 
wrath; and I will bring them again unto this 
place, and will cause them to dwell safely. And 
they shall be my people, and I will be their God. 



90 ■ THE PROPHECIES. 

And I will give them one heart and one way, 
that they may fear me forever, for the good of 
them and of their children after them. And I 
will make an everlasting covenant with them, 
that I will not turn away from them to do them 
good; but I will put my fear in their hearts, that 
they shall not depart from me. Yea, I will re- 
joice over them to do them good, and I will plant 
them in this land assuredly, with my whole heart 
and with my whole soul. For thus, saith the 
Lord, like as I have brought all this great evil 
upon this people, so will I bring upon them all 
the good that I have promised them." 

Ezekiel xi. 17 — ''Therefore say. Thus saith 
the Lord God, I will even gather you from the 
people, and assemble you out of the countries 
where ye have been scattered, and I will give 
you the land of Israel. And they shall come 
thither^ and they shall take away all the detesta- 
ble things thereof, and all the abominations 
thereof from thence. And I will give them one 
heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; 
and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, 
and I will give them an heart of flesh, that they 
may walk in my statutes, and keep mine ordi- 
nances and do them; and they shall be my peo- 
ple, and I will be their God." 

Ezekiel xx. 40 to 44. 

Ezekiel xxxiv. 13 to 15, and 23 to 31. 

Ezekiel xxxvi. 8 to 12, and 22 to 38. 



THE PROPHECIES. 91 

Ezeldel xxxvii. 21 to 28. 

Ezekiel xxxix. 22 to 29. 

Hosea iii. 4, 5 — "For the children of Israel 
shall abide many days without a king, and with- 
out a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without 
an image, and without an ephod, and without te- 
raphimj afterward shall the children of Israel re- 
turn and seek the Lord their God, and David 
their king, and shall fear the Lord and his good- 
ness in the latter days.'^ 

Jeremiah iii. 16 to 19 — And it shall come to 
pass. 

Jeremiah xxiii. 3, 4, 7, 8 — And I will gather. 

Isaiah xlix. 13 to 23 — Sing, heavens. 

Isaiah liv. 1 to 14 — Sing, barren. 

Isaiah Iii. 1 to 3, 9, 10 — Awake: break forth. 

Isaiah xi. 1 to 10 — And there shall come forth. 

Isaiah Ix. 1 to 22 — Arise, shine. 

Isaiah Ixvi. 10 to 13, and 18 to 24 — Rejoice ye. 

Daniel xii. — And at that time. 

Zechariah ii. 10 to 13 — Sing and rejoice. 

Zechariah viii. 20 to 23 — Thus saith. 

Zechariah xii. 10 — and xiii. xiv. 

Joel iii. 17, 20, 21 — So shall ye know. 

Zephaniah iii. 13 to 20 — The remnant. 

Micah iv. 1 to 7 — But in the last days. 

Isaiah xii. — And in that day. 

Romans xi. — "I say, then, hath God cast away 
his people? God forbid." Read the whole chapter. 
I 



92 THE PROPHECIES. 

CHAPTER VII. 

PROPHECIES CONCERNING ISRAEL. 

From the foregoing passages of Scripture, is it 
not exceedingly clear that the prophets taught in 
ancient days, that there would come a time of 
mercy and peace, and righteousness — when the 
children of Jacob would be again distinguished 
on earth as the people of God. Who can read 
the sayings of Moses, and David, and Isaiah, Je- 
remiah, Ezekiel and others, and not be convinced 
of this? Our blessed Saviour, even though his 
own people rejected and crucified him, yet he 
prayed for them, saying, that they knew not what 
they did. And he said, the children of Jerusalem 
should see him no more, until they should say 
" Blessed is he that cometh in the name of the 
Lord.^' 

Saint Paul likewise had the same hope. In the 
Epistle to the Romans, eleventh chapter, he sets 
it forth expressly. And having this hope, he 
says, that his heart's desire and prayer to God 
for Israel was, that they might be saved. He be- 
lieved it, and looked for it, and prayed for it, as 
the prophets of old had done. 

As to the particular manner in which these 
things will be brought about we cannot say. 
Very likely there may be a day of trial not far 
off, for both Christians and Jews, that may try 



THE PROPHECIES. 93 

the reality of the faith they profess to have in the 
true and living God. 

What if the prophecy of Malachi, chap. iv. be 
literally fulfilled; and Elijah be sent from heaven 
" to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, 
and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just?" 
To be to them the herald of the second coming 
of the Messiah; as John the Baptist was of his 
first coming? 

Finally, from what is written in the Scriptures, 

It would seem that we may look very soon for 
a short season of very great trouble, to come upon 
the true church, by the rise of antichrist, an in- 
dividual person — pre-eminent for greatness and 
evil ; — 

The completion of preaching the gospel of the 
kingdom in all nations for a witness unto them;— 

Signs in the sun, and moon, and stars; — 

The conversion of the remnant of Israel to 
Jesus as their Saviour and King — perhaps by the 
preaching of Elijah the prophet; — 

These things to take place as the close of the 
present dispensation or world — and just about the 
time when Christ will return in glory— and the 
thousand years begin — which have been foretold. 

for grace and mercy to be prepared for all 
things coming on the world— so as to stand before 
the Son of man; and find favour and acceptance 
in His sight! 



94 THE PROPHECIES. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

THE GLORY THAT SHALL FOLLOW. 

The world's salvation is bound up in that of 
Israel, for all the promises are to Israel — and in 
Abraham's seed all the families of the earth are 
to be blessed. Jesus, the Messiah, belongs to the 
natural seed of Abraham and Israel; and through 
his mediation, and atonement, and mercy^ every 
blessing, temporal and eternal, comes to fallen 
man. 

We are taught in the Scriptures to expect that 
the day of mercy for a large part of the human 
race is about to close — even for all v/ho reject the 
Saviour, and are found in rebellion and disobe- 
dience when He comes, ere long, to judge the 
world in righteousness. It is to be feared that in 
that great and terrible day of the Lord, the great 
majority will be found in wickedness, and be 
overwhelmed in the flaming fire, when Christ 
shall come to judge, and rule, and reign. 

But we may also hope, that about the time of 
our Saviour's second advent, that the Lord will 
then in mercy visit the remnant of his ancient 
people, and " pour upon them (as the prophet 
Zechariah says, chap. xii. 10,) the spirit of grace 
and supplication." " They shall look upon him 
whom they pierced and mourn." Their fathers 
pierced him literally, and the children likewise, 
by their sins and unbelief. 



THE PROPHECIES. 95 

Thus, " a nation shall be born in a day." 
And, as St. Paul says — " they also may obtain 
mercy." 

The remnant of the Gentile nations, who may 
be spared in the flesh on earth, will likewise come 
to see the heavenly light. And all left on earth 
in the flesh, with their children, from generation 
to generation, through the thousand years, will 
bow in faith and obedience to the King of Israel. 

During the millennium, or thousand years, it 
shall be one fold under one Shepherd — the Lord 
be King over all the earth, and the earth shall be 
filled with the knowledge of God as the waters 
cover the sea; "for all shall know him from the 
least to the greatest." 

Thus a great harvest will be gathered in 
through the thousand years; for Christ Jesus must 
"see of the travail of his soul and be satisfied." 
He must have a multitude like unto the stars of 
the sky, which no man can number; and these 
are to be from every kindred and tongue and 
people, as the reward for his labour of love, his 
pain and anguish, w^hen he died to redeem us. 

So that, as St. Paul says, though the number 
of the children of Israel be like the sand on the 
sea-shore, a remnant shall be saved. The large 
part of the human race, both Jew and Gentile, 
may be destroyed at Christ's coming, and lost 
forever, yet we may hope that a remnant of both 
Jews and Gentiles will be left on earth to replen- 
l2 



96 THE PROPHECIES. 

ish and people it, in a mortal state, through " the 
thousand years." 

For the millennium will come, when Christ 
comes to renew the earth, and dwell therein 
among his people. And then the New Jerusa- 
lem, the City of God, shall descend from heaven 
to earth; Heb. xii. 22, Rev. xxi. 1 — 3. 

Then the saints who have been raised from the 
dead, or changed to an immortal state, will have 
the rule of all on earth, under Christ the King. 
And then shall the promise be fulfilled, that Abra- 
ham and his seed shall have the land of Canaan 
for an everlasting possession. This has not yet 
been fulfilled, but will come to pass. The meek 
will then inherit the earth. The proud, and 
wicked, and unbelieving, and disobedient, will 
then have all been destroyed, and the remnant 
spared submit to Christ. 

There is nothing unreasonable or unscriptural 
in believing that through the millennium, or thou- 
sand years, the mortal race, continued as now by 
natural generation, and the immortal saints raised, 
or changed, shall be together on this earth, when 
sin and sorrow are gone. The whole tenor of the 
Old and New Testaments gives room to expect 
this; and I know not how to understand the say- 
ings found in the Scriptures on any other ground. 

All born in that favoured period will believe 
in, and be obedient to Christ, the King of Israel, 
under whose government on earth, war will not 



THE PROPHECIES. 97 

be known. If death is known on earth during 
the millennium, it will perhaps be to change a 
mortal for an immortal state. 

At the close of the thousand years, the wicked 
rise from the dead, and try to gain possession of 
the earth, but are cast out forever. And then the 
everlasting kingdom of God goes on, and sin and 
death are done away. 



" Lord, who shall abide in thy tabernacle, who 
shall dwell in thy holy hill?" Psalm xv. 

Reader, hast thou the faith of Jesus, the pa- 
tience of the saints — and art thou living in holi- 
ness, truth and love? 

For the people of God there remaineth a rest; 
therefore labour to enter therein. 



" Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, 
and he will dwell with them, and they shall be 
his people, and God himself shall be with them 
and be their God. And God shall wipe away 
all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no 
more death, neither sorrow nor crying, neither 
shall there be any more pain: for the former 
things are passed away;" Rev. xxi. 3 — 4. 



98 



HYMN. 

Behold, the mountain of the Lord, 

In latter days shall rise 
Above the mountains and the hills, 

And draw the wondering eyes. 

To this the joyful nations round, 
All tribes and tongues shall flow; 

" Up to the hill of God," they say, 
" And to his house w^e'll go." 

The beam that shines on Zion's hill, 

Shall lighten every land; 
The King who reigns in Zion's towers, 

Shall all the world command. 

No strife shall vex Messiah's reign. 

Or mar the peaceful years; 
To ploughshares men shall beat their swords, 

To pruning hooks their spears. 

Come then, come from every land, 

To worship at his shrine; 
And, walking in the light of God, 

With holy beauties shine. \^Logan. 



99 



THE STATE OF THE SOUL AFTER 
DEATH, AND BEFORE THE RESUR- 
RECTION. 

It is appointed unto men once to die. And 
the reason why we have to die, is because we 
have sinned. 

In death the body returns to the dust from 
whence it was taken. And the soul — what be- 
comes of the soul — that intelligent, and thinking, 
and feeling part of our being? This soul is the 
real man, and has the body as a tabernacle to 
dwell in, and by which it has intercourse with 
material things. 

Our reason says that the soul may live after 
the body dissolves into dust, and revelation 
teaches us that it certainly does. Our Saviour 
intimates that Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, live. 
He speaks of the rich man and Lazarus as living, 
and thinking, and feeling; and he told the peni- 
tent malefactor, "This day shalt thou be with me 
in paradise.^' His body was broken and dead — 
but for all this he was to be that day in paradise. 

St. Paul said that he desired rather to depart 
and be with Christ, which was far better than all 
the enjoyments which this life could afford, al- 
though the intercourse of kindred and friends, 
especially Christian fellowship, is exceedingly 
pleasant to the soul. But he thought of being 



100 THE STATE OF THE SOUL, &C. 

absent from the body, and present with the 
Lord. 

The soul doubtless takes with it the remem- 
brance of earthly things, and oh, how much plea- 
sure or pain arises from the soul for the remem- 
brance of what is past. The capacity of know- 
ledge, and the feeling of what is pleasant or 
painful, is probably as great as in the body; but 
the capacity for active intercourse with material 
things is lessened. 

From the whole tenor of the Scriptures, it 
w^ould seem that hell, or the place for wicked 
spirits, is somewhere about this earth. Very 
likely the evil spirits, and the souls of wicked 
men, congregate together in hades, or the state of 
the dead. It may be in the interior of the earth, 
or somewhere in the air. They are said to be in 
prison, in chains of darkness, in hell. The fire 
of hell is doubtless a real material fire. 

The souls of good men are very likely taken 
away from this sinful and sorrowful state, to a 
place as well as a state of rest. Jesus says, that 
Lazarus died and was carried by angels to Abra- 
ham's bosom — the same as paradise. The idea 
seems to be that of the soul being removed — 
taken away. In the Old Testament it is said, the 
spirit returns to God who gave it. Paradise may 
be in the region of light above us — possibly in 
the sun. 

We may suppose it is the place where our Sa- 



HEAVEN. 101 

viour is gone. All who have his faith and image 
go to where the elder brother has gone. That 
they live and are happy, and at rest, we believe. 
How far off they are, and whether they are ac- 
quainted with things transpiring here, and take 
part therein at times, we cannot certainly say. 
They may possibly sometimes be employed like 
the angels, as ministering spirits, to help and 
cheer, and warn those who yet remain in this 
probationary state. Perhaps, on some occasions, 
the spirits of our departed friends may be very 
near unto us; and who can tell but that in the 
hour of departure, when the Christian dies, the 
loved ones of former days are waiting around, 
to show the path which leads from this lower 
world to the resting place of those who die in 
the Lord. 



HEAVEN. 

And God called the firmament heaven; Gene- 
sis i. 8. 

Behold heaven, and the heaven of heavens, 
cannot contain thee; 2 Chronicles vi. 18. 

In them hath He set a tabernacle for the sun; 
Psalm xix. 4. 

The heaven, even the heavens, are the Lord's; 



102 HEAVEN. 

but the earth hath he given to the children of 
men; Psalm cxv. 16. 

For thus saith the high and lofty One that in- 
habiteth eternity, whose name is Holy, I dwell 
in the high and holy place; Isaiah Ivii. 15. 

Thus saith the Lord, the heaven is my throne, 
and the earth is my footstool; Isaiah Ixvi. 1. 

I am Gabriel that stand in the presence of 
God; Luke i. 19. 

To-day shalt thou be with me in paradise; 
Luke xxiii. 43. 

In my Father's house are many mansions — I 
go to prepare a place for you — And if I go and 
prepare a place for you, I will come again, and 
receive you unto myself; that where I am there 
ye may be also; John xiv. 2, 3. 

I came forth from the Father, and am come 
into the world; again I leave the world and go 
to the Father; John xvi. 28. 

While he blessed them, he was parted from 
them and carried up into heaven; Luke xxiv. 51. 

I knew a man in Christ about fourteen years 
ago (whether in the body I cannot tell, or whe- 
ther out of the body I cannot tell; God know- 
eth), such an one caught up to the third heaven. 
How that he was caught up into paradise, and 
heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful 
for a man to utter; 2 Cor. xii. 2, 4. 

See also the 21st and 22d chapters of the book 
of Revelations. 



HEAVEN. 103 

That there is at least one other world besides 
this earth, inhabited by intelligent and rational 
beings, is agreeable to the light of nature, and 
revelation teaches it as a certainty. Philosophy 
teaches us that we dwell on a globe of limited 
dimensions, when compared with some of the 
wonderful bodies that move in the space above 
and around us. Our moon is evidently a large 
dark body, somewhat like to our earth, but much 
smaller; some of the planets, namely Venus 
and Mercury, are also smaller than our earth, 
while several others are far greater in size, and 
seem to be more gloriously furnished and attend- 
ed than our dwelling-place. Think of Jupiter, 
with four beautiful moons revolving round it; 
think of Saturn, with its seven moons and the 
ring that circles it around, and wonder at the 
wisdom and almighty power that made them 
what they are, set them in motion at first, and 
which keeps them all, together with our own 
earth, revolving round a common centre. 

But where is that place we call heaven? For 
it is not merely a state of holiness and happiness, 
but in the Holy Scriptures it is just as disthictly 
represented as a place, even as this earth is a 
place. We might as well say this earth is every 
were, as that heaven is every where. 

Moses, in the book of Genesis, calls the firma- 
ment or expansion, above and around us, heaven. 
Jesus left the Mount of Olives and ascended into 

K 



104 HEAVEN. 

heaven, a cloud receiving Him out of the sight of 
his disciples; and in like manner, the angels said, 
He will return again. It is then above the clouds 
or atmosphere. Paul says that he was caught 
up to Paradise, to the third heavens, on one oc- 
casion, where he heard unspeakable words. And 
Jesus said to the penitent malefactor, "To-day 
shall thou be with me in paradise.^' 

The psalmist says of the Lord " Who coverest 
thyself with light as with a garment;" Psalm 
civ. 2. And in Psalm cii. 19, "For He hath 
looked down from the height of his sanctuary; 
from heaven did the Lord behold the earth." 
It may be inferred from these intimations, that 
Heaven is in the region of light which is above 
our world. And as the light seems to centre in 
the sun, who can tell but that in or near the sun 
is a happy world, where the holy angels dwell, 
and where our blessed God and Saviour dwells 
among them. All nature rejoices in the light of 
the sun, the birds sing, the flowers expand, and 
turn toward that bright luminary — all the ve- 
getable and animal creation feel the vivifying 
and cheering influence of its beams — and man 
looks up and feels himself walking in the light 
of heaven. 

" God is light, and in Him is no darkness at 
all," says the apostle John; and may we not 
think that He dwells in that region of natural 



HEAVEN. 105 

light above us, on which no mortal eye can gaze 
and live. 

Some of the most eminent philosophers and 
astronomers believe the sun to be a world fitted 
for the habitation of rational beings — a world of 
light and blessedness. They think that what we 
see is not the body of the sun, but its luminous 
atmosphere; and that instead of its being a body 
of fire, it is an immense region of light, and 
every way fitted for the abode of happy beings. 

If these views be correct, heaven and earth are 
tied together, by that strange attractive power 
which pervades all the wonderful bodies that 
move around in the regions of space. And may- 
it not be, that when the time shall come to 
change the present state of things, according to 
the Scriptures, when the heavens and the earth 
shall be renewed, not destroyed, that then earth 
and heaven will be brought near together by the 
New Jerusalem descending down out of heaven. 
Angels and the immortal race of men raised from 
the dead, may then mingle as one happy family, 
and the Lord God indeed dwell among men. 



106 



HYMN. 

Jerusalem, my happy home, 

How do I sigh for thee; 
When will my exile have an end, 

Thy joys when shall 1 see? 

No sun, no moon, in borrowed light 
Revolve thine hours aw^ay; 

The Lamb on Calvary once slain, 
Is thy eternal day. 

From every eye he wipes the tear, 
All sighs and sorrows cease; 

No more alternate hope and fear, 
But everlasting peace. 



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